25 September 2023
During a routine inspection
Montana Residential Home provides accommodation and personal care for up to 19 older people some of whom may be living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 16 people using the service. The service is set over one floor and is in the village of Great Barton on the edge of the town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. The service is run by the Benedictine Sisters of our Lady of Grace and Compassion with Nuns residing in the adjoining convent. However, the service provides care to people all faiths.
Montana Residential Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People continued to experience outstanding service, receiving exceptionally personalised care and support which they were in control of. There was a strong ethos within the home of treating people as individuals and with respect. People were at the forefront of their care. A relative explained, “They always treated my [relative] with respect and dignity and did everything that they could to ensure that they were comfortable and had enough mental stimulation. This was particularly important as they were always of sound mind, though their disabilities and frailty limited them physically”. Activities were planned by staff and volunteers who worked closely with people to establish their individual and unique preferences.
People's individual religious and spiritual wellbeing were exceptionally well supported. The development of technology within the home had enabled people to partake in the daily catholic mass from their rooms as this was televised from the homes on site chapel.
The care people received at the end of their lives was exemplary. Staff were passionate about providing the best, most compassionate and respectful end of life care to people and demonstrated that all people who lived and died at the home mattered and were important. A relative explained that due to the unique set up on the day their relative died they were able to receive the sacrament of the sick and their wishes were, “Respected and carried out to the letter.” This included the requiem mass and wake being held at Montana.
People's medicines were very well managed. This had been enhanced since our last visit with the introduction of an electronic system that had safety systems built in. People received their medicines safely and as prescribed.
People received support and treatment from health professionals when needed. The relationships that had been fostered benefitted people as they received good access and support to healthcare. No one ever attended a health appointment alone.
The consistent presence of staff to meet people’s needs in a timely and responsive manner ensured people were always safe and their needs met. A relative told us that their loved one, “Is in very safe hands where they are treated as one of the family with dignity and respect.”
Staff were provided with regular training and were supported by their colleagues and the registered manager to do their jobs effectively. Staff fitness to work at Montana had been thoroughly assessed.
People enjoyed the food provided. A relative said of the food; “Nutritious and freshly prepared by the cook who went to great lengths to ensure that it was to [relatives] liking. Food was specially prepared when they had difficulty swallowing. The care team always provided unhurried support in helping to eat meals”.
The registered manager continued to be highly visible and approachable and enabled and empowered staff to deliver high quality care and to seek advice from them if needed. The registered manager had excellent knowledge of the home and the people living there in order to ensure that people had their preferences met.
Staff displayed they delivered exceptional care, compassion and empathy that showed all people mattered and were important. People who used the service commended the outstanding quality of care they received. A health and social care professional fed back; “I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional service you provided to customers. Thank you for going above and beyond to make a difference.”
The provider, Grace and Compassion Benedictines, is a Catholic organisation and the home is connected to a convent however all are welcomed regardless of their faith or background. The staff team was made up of Nuns (Sisters with the Grace and Compassion Benedictine) and 'lay' staff. When we refer to care staff in the report, we are referring to both the Nuns and the care staff.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Rating at last inspection and update
The last rating for this service was outstanding (published 07 July 2018).
Why we inspected
We undertook this inspection to check whether the service was continuing to provide an outstanding rated service to people due to the age of the last rating.
The overall rating for the service remains outstanding. This is based on the findings at this inspection.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the 'all reports' link for Montana Residential Home at www.cqc.org.uk.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect. If we receive any concerning information, we may inspect sooner.