Background to this inspection
Updated
11 March 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 17 February 2021 and was unannounced.
Updated
11 March 2021
Locharwoods is a residential care home for 19 older people. Accommodation is provided in 19 single rooms, all of which have an en-suite facility. Communal space is provided in a lounge, conservatory and dining room. Passenger lifts provide access to all areas of the home.
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.
At this inspection we found the service remained Good.
Everyone who lived in the home said they felt safe. There were robust measures in place to ensure people were safe. Risk assessments were in place for areas such as pressure care, safe environment, falls and mobility, and nutrition and hydration.
There were sufficient staff on duty to meet people's needs. Staff rotas showed a consistent number of staff were on duty each day. People told us call bells were answered within a reasonable time.
Staff had been appropriately recruited to ensure they were suitable to work with vulnerable adults. We found that staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to support people effectively and safely.
Staff were supported by the registered manager through regular supervisions, annual appraisal and regular training. Staff had attended training in subjects such as first aid, fire safety, food safety, safeguarding and medication. New staff were required to complete an induction. Staff meetings were held regularly.
Medicines were managed safely and people received their medicines as prescribed. Staff had been trained to administer medicines to ensure errors were kept to a minimum.
The home was very clean and there were no odours. The home was well maintained and in good decorative order. People's bedrooms were personalised and were decorated and furnished to a high standard.
Regular checks and tests, such as gas, electricity, water safety, fire drills, fire alarm tests and external checks of firefighting equipment, were completed to maintain safety in the home.
People's needs were assessed and reviewed regularly to reflect their current health and support needs. People were supported to maintain healthy lives; records showed that people were supported to attend medical appointments.
People were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet and meet their dietary requirements. Drinks were offered at various times throughout the day to ensure people's hydration needs were met. Staff understood people's individual nutrition and hydration needs and we saw that meals were provided accordingly.
Everyone living in the home was very complementary about the attitude of the staff and the way they were treated. Staff showed kindness towards the people in the home. It was clear from the banter and laughter that people were comfortable with staff and enjoyed their support.
Staff supported people to make decisions about their care, support and treatment. Staff showed a good understanding of people's likes and dislikes and preferred routines. This information was recorded in people’s care records.
People and their family members were involved in the planning of their care and family members kept up to date with matters relating to their relative's health and welfare.
There was a complaints policy in place, which was displayed in the home. No complaints had been made since the last inspection.
Activities were planned each day and took place mostly each afternoon.
Quality assurance audits were completed by the registered manager and senior care staff which included, medication and health and safety.
There was a process completed annually where people in the home and their relatives had the opportunity to voice their opinions about the service. ‘Resident/ relatives meetings’ took place regularly to enable people to meet with the registered manager on a regular basis.
There was a caring, person-centred, and open culture in the home. The manager and registered provider met their legal requirements with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They had submitted notifications and the ratings from the last inspection were clearly displayed in the home.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.