Elmsfield House Limited

Updated 20 February 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This 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 CQC's response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 3 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 20 February 2021

About the service:

Elmsfield House is a residential care home that has recently changed it’s registration to include nursing care. It provides nursing and residential care for up to 28 older people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of this inspection no one was receiving nursing care and there were 19 people receiving personal care. The home is a Georgian property that has been suitably extended to accommodate people with nursing care needs. There is a large garden that includes a separate social club house for people living there and car parking.

People’s experience of using this service:

We have made a recommendation that the provider reviews all the policies and procedures to ensure they include current legislation.

There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet people’s needs in a timely manner. People and their relatives told us there were always enough staff available to assist them. One person told us, “If I use my call bell staff come within the minute.” Staff had completed training that enabled them to deliver good care and support to people effectively.

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.

Medicines were stored and managed safely and people received their medicines as they had been prescribed.

People’s individual preferences for food and drink were catered for and this included people’s specific health and dietary requirements. Staff gave the right level of support to those who required extra help with eating and drinking. One person told us, “The food varies but is quite good overall and you can get something else if you prefer to.”

Care provided to people respected their privacy, dignity and promoted their independence. It was clear from our observations that staff knew people's needs well. Kind and friendly interactions were observed taking place. One person told us, “It’s a lovely place to live, I feel safe and comfortable.” A relative told us, “Things have greatly improved and we cannot fault the place.”

The home employed an activities coordinator and there was a varied activity programme that people could partake in if they chose to. There was a purpose built outdoor building that had been furnished to provide a social club for people.

There was a particularly strong emphasis on continuous development and improvement of the service by the provider and registered manager that included the environment and the recent implementation of electronic care records.

The provider used a variety of audits that demonstrated the service was monitored and safe for people to live in. Feedback about the service was regularly collected and the home produced a regular newsletter to keep people and their relatives informed.

Rating at last inspection:

At the last inspection the service was rated requires improvement published 4 April 2018.

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk