The Belmont

Updated 20 September 2023

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

Inspection team

The inspection was conducted by 2 inspectors and 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

The Belmont is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. The Belmont is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced. The provider knew we would be returning on the second day of the inspection.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority and Healthwatch. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make.

We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 5 people who used the service and 3 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 9 members of staff including the registered manager, deputy, regional director, senior care staff, care staff, activity co-ordinator, chef and administrator.

We viewed 4 people’s care records and a range of medication records. We looked at a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies, procedures, and audits. We gained feedback from 3 health care professionals.

Updated 20 September 2023

About the service

The Belmont is a residential care home providing personal care for up to 74 people. The service provides support to older people some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 35 people using the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People told us they felt safe living at The Belmont and were confident any concerns they raised would be listened to. Staff had received training in safeguarding and knew how to identify and report abuse.

Staff were supported by the registered manager and deputy. They received training and supervision to help them carry out their roles effectively. Menus were planned in accordance with people’s preferences and there were opportunities for people to give feedback and discuss menus with the chef.

People and their relatives were all positive about the standard of care provided by The Belmont. One person told us, “It’s fantastic, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done, I can’t speak highly enough of it”. People were cared for by a dedicated team who were motivated to provide the best they could for people living at the home.

Care records were detailed, and person centred. People were able to engage in a wide range of activities, events and outings which helped to promote their well-being. Activity plans were tailored around people’s preferences, suggestions and requests. Regular meetings enabled people to contribute to activities plans. The service had developed links in the community which enabled people to continue their interests and be involved in new ones. Staff were committed to enriching people’s lives and supported them to achieve their wishes and aspirations.

People who were reaching the end of their life were cared for with love and compassion, and support was extended to their families and loved ones. People and their relatives told us staff were open and transparent.

People, relatives, and staff told us the management team were supportive. There was a robust system in place to monitor the safety and quality of care and support provided. The home had developed and continued to develop strong community links.

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.

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 15 November 2021, and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was the first comprehensive inspection of The Belmont since registration.

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.