This inspection took place on 20 May 2015 and was unannounced.
The last inspection of Fairmont Care Home took place on 25 April 2013. At that time we found that the provider was fully compliant with all the regulations assessed.
Fairmont Residential Home is located in the district of Fulwood, Preston. The home is a purpose built three storey residence that provides personal care and accommodation for adults with physical disability, mental health needs, people living with dementia and/or associated social care needs.
The registered manager was on duty on our arrival and received feedback throughout the inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission 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.
We found that the service provided a good standard of person centred care. Feedback from people who used the service was positive in regards to being involved in plans around their care and support from staff. People told us that they felt safe and well cared for.
We looked at care records and found that staff worked positively with community professionals such as mental health workers to ensure that people’s needs were met. Care plans had been completed with person centred detail and showed that people were encouraged to participate in the care planning process.
Records showed that mental capacity assessments were undertaken prior to making a decision on the person’s behalf. We found the manager and care workers had a reasonable knowledge about the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and requested support from external professionals when consideration was required for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
We found the provider did not always protect people from environmental and fire hazards. A chair was seen to block a main fire exit and the laundry door was unlocked meaning people who used the service could have access to hazardous chemicals. We asked the manager to resolve the issue who responded immediately and took appropriate action.
We found that the provider did not have suitable arrangements in place to manage soiled waste. We have made a recommendation about this area.
We found that the environment was not adapted for people living with dementia and or visual impairment.
Staff were provided with a range of training to assist them in carrying out their roles.
We looked at recruitment processes and found that the provider did not always ensure that robust checks were undertaken prior to staff being appointed.
We found the manager had suitable quality assurance systems in place, however failed to record good practice examples that she undertook on a regular basis such as; staff support and development, meetings and linking with the community.
We looked at the way people living with dementia are engaged in meaningful activities and found this was an area requiring improvement. We have made a recommendation about this area.
People who lived at Fairmont Care Home and the staff team were complimentary about the management of the home and felt that if there were any concerns, these would be dealt with quickly.
We found the provider was in breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This related to safe care and treatment and premises and equipment.