The Beeches

Updated 8 November 2023

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

This inspection was carried out by 1 inspector and an expert by experience on the first day of inspection, and 2 inspectors on the second day of the inspection.

An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

The Beeches is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. The Beeches is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 9 people who used the service and 2 relatives about their experiences of the care received. We spoke with 8 members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager, operations manager, seniors, care staff, and a kitchen assistant.

We reviewed a range of records, this included 3 people's care records and multiple medicines records. We looked at 3 staff files in relation to recruitment. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were also reviewed.

Updated 8 November 2023

About the service

The Beeches is a residential care home providing personal care to up to 40 people. The service provides support to older adults, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 36 people using the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

The provider’s auditing systems were not always effective at identify improvements. The registered manager did not always record the lessons learnt when things went wrong.

Systems and processes were in place to safeguard people from the risk of abuse. Staff were aware of potential risks to people’s health and wellbeing and monitored them. People were supported by enough staff who were safely recruited to work at the home.

The provider had effective infection prevention and control processes in place. People’s needs and choices were assessed and monitored to form their plan of care. Staff completed training and received an induction when first employed to help meet people’s individual needs. People were supported to eat and drink and maintain a healthy diet. Staff worked with health and social care professionals to ensure people received effective care. The provider adapted the home to meet people’ needs and preferences.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were well treated and supported by staff who respected their equality and diversity. People’s care records included their preferences and input into their care. People’s privacy, dignity and independence was respected and promoted.

People received personalised care to meet their needs and preferences. The provider was aware of the accessible information standard and confirmed information could be provided in accessible formats where required. The registered manager kept records of any complaints or compliments made by people, relatives, or staff. The provider was in the process of reviewing people’s future wishes and preferences.

Managers and staff were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff shared a positive culture which was person-centred and helped ensure people achieved good outcomes. The registered manager understood their legal responsibility to be open and honest. People, their relatives and staff were involved in the service and had the opportunity to suggest improvements. The provider worked in partnership with others to help ensure people received good outcomes.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service under the previous provider was requires improvement (published 18 March 2022).

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.