Epworth Grange is owned by a national company called Methodist Homes. It is situated near a main road in a residential area approximately one mile from Bury town centre and is close to bus stops and local shops. It is a detached purpose built home set in its own grounds with gardens. There is car parking to the front of the building. The home is divided into five wings and is registered for a maximum of 41 people.A registered manager was in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
At the last inspection the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.
This inspection visit took place on 14 September 2017 and was unannounced.
During this inspection comments from people who lived at Epworth Grange demonstrated people were satisfied with their care. The management team and staff were clear about their roles and responsibilities. One person who lived at the home said, “The staff are really good and look after us very well.”
Records we looked at indicated staff had received safeguarding from abuse training. Staff we spoke with told us they were aware of the safeguarding procedure and knew what to do should they witness any abusive actions at the home.
People who lived at Epworth Grange told us they had choices of meals and there were always alternatives if they didn’t like what was on the menu. We observed at lunchtime people who required support were attended to in a sensitive manner. One person said about the quality of food, “The food is really good [cook] is an excellent baker.”
People who lived at the home had access to healthcare professionals and their healthcare needs were met. We saw the service had responded promptly when people had experienced health problems.
The management team had sufficient staffing levels in place to provide support people needed. We found by our observations staff members could undertake tasks supporting people without feeling rushed. This was confirmed from our discussions with staff members.
Medicines were stored in a clean and secure environment. We observed staff followed correct procedures when they administered medication and fully completed records.
The service had safe infection control procedures in place and staff had received infection control training. Staff wore protective clothing such as gloves and aprons when needed. This reduced the risk of cross infection. The management team also had an ‘infection control champion’. This was a staff member responsible for keeping staff up to date with the latest legislation and any guidance that came out for residential homes.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.
We found from checking documentation and discussion with staff people were recruited safely. They also received ongoing training and, were supported by the management team. They had the skills, knowledge and experience required to support people in their care.
We looked around the building and found it had been maintained, was clean and hygienic and a safe place for people to live. We found equipment had been serviced and maintained as required.
Risk assessments had been developed to minimise the potential risk of harm to people during the delivery of their care. Care records showed they were reviewed and any changes were recorded
People who lived at the home told us staff were all caring, kind and respectful. This was evident by comments we received from people who lived at the home and visitors.
Staff knew people they supported and provided a personalised service in a caring and professional manner. Care plans were organised, updated when required and had identified the care and support people required. We found they were informative about care people had received.
There was a complaints process and document informing people how to complain. This was made available to people on their admission to the home and their relatives. People we spoke with told us they were happy and had no complaints.
The registered manager used a variety of methods to assess and monitor the quality of the service. These included regular audits, staff and resident meetings. In addition surveys were collected from an outside organisation to seek their views about the service provided.