Archived: Shire Oak House

Updated 2 May 2019

The inspection:

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team:

The inspection team consisted of an inspector an expert by experience. An expert by experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type:

Shire Oak House is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that the registered manager and provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

What we did:

Before the inspection we reviewed all the information that we have in relation to this service. This included notifications and the Provider Information Return (PIR). A notification is information about important events which the provider is required to send us by law. The PIR is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

During our inspection:

We spoke with four people using the service and two relatives. We spoke with the provider, the nominated individual, the registered manager, the deputy manager, two care workers, the activities coordinator and a visiting professional.

We observed how the staff interacted with people who used the service and looked at how people were supported throughout the day.

We looked at two people's care and support records. We viewed records relating to the management of the service including quality audits, and accident and incident records.

Updated 2 May 2019

About the service:

Shire Oak House provides personal care and accommodation for up to 26 older people who are living with dementia or other mental health needs. At the time of our inspection there were 21 people using the service.

People’s experience of using this service:

Staff knew how to keep people safe and protect them from harm. A person told us, “I’ve lived here a long while, I like it, I feel safe here. There are people around you, they are caring and kind.” The home was well-staffed and people had their needs promptly met. People had their medicines on time. Incidents and accidents were investigated and actions were taken to prevent recurrence. The premises were clean, fresh and tidy.

People were assessed before they came to the home to ensure their needs could be met and people and relatives were involved in this process. Staff were well-trained and knowledgeable about people's care and support needs. A person said, “The staff know me well and can help me get up and go to bed and walk about.” Staff referred people to community healthcare professionals when necessary. People said they liked the meals served and the menus had been improved in line with their preferences.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. When people were unable to make decisions about their care and support, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) were followed.

The staff were kind and compassionate. A relative told us, “They take time to get to know their residents and listen carefully to them. They respect their individuality. They are warm and caring. They are patient with them all. There is a good rapport.” The staff team was established so people had the opportunity to build relationships of trust with staff. A care worker said, “We listen to people and work out what they need. Sometimes a person just wants to sit and hold your hand because that speaks more than words to them.” People were supported to make decisions about their care and support and staff respected people’s dignity, privacy and independence.

Staff understood people’s individual needs and wishes and supported them in the way they wanted. They assisted people with their preferred daily routines. People had access to a range of activities and entertainment that they enjoyed. The activities co-ordinator put a lot of thought into how best to work with people and encourage them to be mentally stimulated. They told us, “I want all our residents to be involved if possible. I try to find each individual’s own happy activity.” If people had any concerns about the home, managers and staff listened to them and made improvements were necessary.

People, relatives, staff, and a visiting professional made many positive comments about Shire Oak House. The home had an open and friendly culture. A care worker told us, “I tell everyone to come here. I’m so proud to wear my uniform. The nurses and the doctors praise us for looking after people so well. It’s a friendly caring place with a good manager and deputy.” People were asked for their views on the home at meetings and one-to-ones and through surveys. The managers audited all areas of the service to ensure the home was providing high-quality care and made improvements where necessary.

Rating at last inspection:

Good (report published 19 February 2016)

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. The service remains Good.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor all intelligence received about the service to ensure the next inspection is scheduled accordingly.