Tendring Care Homes Ltd

Updated 25 March 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. The inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of the CQC's response to the corona virus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection and prevention control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

The inspection took place on 5 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 25 March 2021

Tendring Care Home is a residential care home for up to 23 older people, some of whom were living with dementia. The building offers accommodation over two floors with lift and stairlift access to the first floor. People have access to communal living and dining areas, a conservatory accessible garden. There were 22 people living at the home at the time of inspection.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

People were protected from the risks of abuse because staff understood how to report any potential concerns. There were sufficient numbers of safely recruited staff available to meet people’s needs and staff knew people well and understood the risks they faced and how to manage these. Accidents and incidents were reported, recorded and learning shared with staff. People received their medication safely and these were recorded accurately.

People were involved in pre-admission assessments which identified their physical, religious, emotional and mental health needs to ensure that these could be effectively met. 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. People had a choice of meals and drinks and spoke positively about the food. Staff received regular support through supervision and had access to relevant training opportunities to provide them with the correct skills and knowledge for their role.

People were supported by staff who were kind and compassionate in their approach. We observed the use of gentle, tactile contact and staff communicating with people in ways which were meaningful for them. People were offered choices about how they spent their time and were supported with respect by staff who protected people’s dignity and promoted their independence. Visitors were welcomed whenever they wished to visit and were encouraged to feedback through meetings, surveys and informal discussions.

People’s care records showed that their support was reviewed regularly and was responsive to changing needs. People were supported by staff to engage in a range of social opportunities which they enjoyed. People and relatives were aware about how to raise concerns if needed and felt that these would be listened and responded to. Any advance medical decisions were recorded and the manager explained that where people received end of life care, their preferences and wishes were discussed and recorded.

Feedback from people, relatives and staff was that Tendring Care Home was well managed. Quality assurance measures were used to identify any gaps or trends to continually improve the service people received. Staff felt supported in their roles.

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.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.