Albemarle - Care Home

Updated 5 June 2018

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This was a comprehensive inspection. The inspection took place on and 2 May 2018 and was unannounced.

The inspection team consisted of two Adult Social Care inspectors.

Information was gathered and reviewed before the inspection. We requested feedback about the service from the local authority commissioning and safeguarding team, and Healthwatch East Riding of Yorkshire. We reviewed information the provider sent us in the Provider Information Return (PIR). This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

During the inspection we spoke with three people who were receiving a service and six visiting relatives. We spoke with four care workers, the activities coordinator, and the cook. We spoke with the owner, the registered manager and the deputy manager. We spoke with one visiting health professional and with a local GP.

We reviewed a range of records which included care plans and daily records for four people and five staff files. We checked staff training and supervision records. We completed observations in and around the home which included; the environment, meal times, the medication round and activities people participated in. We looked at records involved with maintaining and improving the quality and safety of the service which included a range of audits and other checks.

Updated 5 June 2018

Albemarle is a residential care home for up to 42 older people including those living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 41 people living at the home. The home is set out over two floors with communal areas and access to a large secure garden area. There is a passenger lift to assist people to get to the upper floor.

The inspection took place on 2 May 2018 and was unannounced.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good. 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 our previous inspection in November 2015, we made a recommendation that the registered manager followed the latest guidance on notifications that are required to be submitted to the Care Quality Commission (CQC). At this inspection we checked and found the registered manager had notified the CQC of certain important events as part of their registration.

At our previous inspection in November 2015, we made a recommendation that the registered manager sought advice in regards to their quality management systems so that appropriate and accurate records were held. At this inspection we checked and found the registered manager completed quality assurance checks to maintain standards of service and identify any areas for improvement.

Staff had received appropriate training to ensure people were protected from avoidable harm and abuse. Systems and processes were maintained to record, evaluate and action any outcomes where safeguarding concerns had been raised.

The provider maintained safe staffing levels. Staff recruitment included pre-employment checks that meant only suitable employees were recruited to work in the home.

People received appropriate care and support to meet their individual needs because staff were supported to have the skills, knowledge and supervision they needed to carry out their roles.

Assessments of risks associated with people’s care and support and for their environment had been completed. Support plans provided information for staff and other health professionals to ensure people received safe care and support without undue restrictions in place.

Systems and processes ensured safe management of medicines and infection control.

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.

The registered provider was committed to providing people with a positive caring partnership with staff who were clear about the importance of paying attention to people’s well-being, privacy, dignity and independence.

The provider equipped staff with the skills and knowledge to appreciate and respond to the principles of equality and diversity. The provider ensured everybody received care and support that reflected their wishes and preferences. Records were being reviewed to improve this information.

People were included in discussions about their care and support and associated information was person centred. Records were evaluated for their effectiveness and amended to ensure they were up to date and reflective of the person’s current needs.

Staff supported people with everyday choices and to enjoy a variety of meaningful activities.

Systems and processes were in place to support people should they need to raise a complaint.

People, their relatives, staff and other health professionals were consulted with and their views and feedback used to help shape the service and maintain high standards of care and support.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.