We carried out a review of the data available to us about Kendal House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Kendal House, you can give feedback on this service.
Kendal House is a residential care home situated in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear. It provides accommodation and personal care for up to 24 older people. The service does not provide nursing care. At the time of our inspection 20 people used at the service, some of whom were living with dementia.
People's experience of using this service and what we found
People felt at relaxed, at home, in an environment that was welcoming, personalised and well maintained. Staff knew them well and worked calmly at all times. Staff interacted with people warmly and affectionately. People and relatives gave consistently strong feedback about how caring staff were.
Risk assessments were in place to reduce the risks people faced. Staff understood these risks well and worked proactively to anticipate and reduce them.
There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs promptly. The service had only rarely and in exceptional circumstances relied on agency staff.
The provider had safeguarding and whistleblowing policies in place. Staff knew how to identify potential for harm and abuse, and what to do if they had concerns. Staff worked well with external partners to keep people safe, for instance through sharing up to date information on people’s changing needs, or accessing additional training.
The registered manager reviewed incidents to identify any emerging patterns.
The outdoor space was used effectively, with well-maintained lawn areas and space at the rear for outdoor visits and events.
Staff were recruited safely, with pre-employment checks in place. They received an initial induction, regular refresher training and competence checks.
Medicines were stored and administered safely. The registered manager and staff demonstrated a strong understanding of people’s medicines needs. Auditing and governance regarding medicines administration and competence checks could be strengthened to look in more detail at good practice.
We have made a recommendation about this.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Staff understood people’s nutritional needs and gave people a range of meal options. Feedback regarding meals was positive and the kitchen was clean and well equipped. Staff used nationally recognised tools to monitor risks associated with malnutrition. They worked well with dietitians.
Activities were varied and led by an enthusiastic activities co-ordinator. When group activities had not been possible due to COVID-19 restrictions they had supported people on a 1:1 basis. The service had strong local links, which helped with activities planning and provision.
Staff worked closely with external nursing support when people neared the end of their lives, to ensure they could remain in their home, where possible.
The registered manager was well respected by staff and external partners. Feedback from external health and social care professionals was positive regarding the registered manager and the team. The culture was open and supportive.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 14 October 2021 and this is the first inspection.
The last rating for the service, under the previous provider, was good, published on 3 December 2020.
Why we inspected
We undertook this inspection as part of a random selection of services rated Good and Outstanding.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.