Clarence House Care Home

Updated 25 May 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 the Care Quality Commission'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 25 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 25 May 2021

This inspection took place on 11 and 13 April 2018. It was unannounced on day one of the inspection.

Clarence House provides accommodation for up to 33 people who require personal care, some of whom may be living with dementia. It is situated in Brigg with access to local amenities and shops. At the time of the inspection 18 people lived at the service.

Clarence House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a 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.

The service had a registered manager who was also the registered provider. 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.

People told us they felt safe living at the service. Staff understood how to report safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding issues raised were investigated and action was taken to address any shortfalls. Safeguarding recommendations made by the local authority were implemented to help staff monitor people’s health and wellbeing.

Risks to people’s wellbeing were monitored. General maintenance was undertaken. Accidents and incidents were monitored and emergency plans were in place to help to protect people’s health and safety. Environments risks were monitored and emergency planning was in place.

Minor issues with infection control found on day one of the inspection were quickly addressed. Medicines management was safe.

Staffing levels were determined by and monitored in line with people’s dependencies. People’s needs were met in a timely way by staff. Staff undertook training in a variety of subjects, they had regular supervision and a yearly appraisal to maintain and develop their skills. Further training had been undertaken following the recommendations gained from safeguarding issues that were investigated, to enhance the staff’s skills. Staff recruitment procedures were robust.

People told us staff who looked after them were caring and kind.

Staff treated people with dignity and respect. People’s preferences for their care and support were recorded and were known by staff. Staff encouraged people to maintain their independence, even if there were risks present. People’s health was monitored by relevant health care professionals to help to maintain their wellbeing. People’s nutritional needs were met.

Care and support was provided in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Staff encouraged people to make choices about how they wished to live their life, where this was possible. Care and support was provided in people’s best interests where people lacked the capacity to make decisions for themselves.

There was a complaints policy in place and issues raised were investigated and resolved. Local advocates were available to people to help raise their views.

Activities were provided that people could join in with, if they wished. Visiting was unrestricted and visitors were made welcome.

Meetings, spot checks and audits took place to help the management team monitor the quality of service provided. Issues found were acted upon to maintain or improve the service.