Archived: The Rivers

Updated 4 August 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 2 inspectors and an Expert by Experience. 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 Rivers 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 Rivers 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.

Inspection activity started on 12 July 2023 and ended on 20 July 2023. We visited the service on 12 July 2023.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since it had been registered with us. 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 6 people who used the service and 4 relatives. We also spoke with the registered manager, the area manager and 6 members of staff including a unit leader, a senior carer, domestic staff, an activities co-ordinator and carers. We observed people at mealtimes and when they were engaged in activities. We reviewed a range of records which included 4 people's care records and various medication records. We looked at 4 staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A range of records relating to the management of the service including audits, analyses of data and policies and procedures were reviewed.

Updated 4 August 2023

About the service

The Rivers is a residential care home providing personal care for up 29 people. The service provides support to people living with dementia. The Rivers has 2 floors and each floor has 2 units. Only the 2 units on the ground floor are currently occupied. The service has plans to open the upstairs units in the future. At the time of our inspection there were 28 people using the service.

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

People were support safely by staff who had received appropriate training. Staff had been recruited through a robust process and there were enough staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Risks were assessed and reviewed regularly and accidents and incidents were reviewed to identify learning. People received their medicines safely and the home was clean and free from clutter. There were no restrictions on people receiving visits from family and friends.

Staff received training which enabled them to provide effective care and support to people. People were supported to maintain a health and balanced diet and they were encouraged to make choices about food they ate. Care and support was person-centred and people’s bedrooms were personalised to their tastes. There was a homely atmosphere at The Rivers. 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 happy with the care they received. Staff were kind and compassionate and supported people to maintain their dignity and independence. We observed lovely interactions between staff and people and they told us they liked living at The Rivers.

People’s needs were assessed and they were involved in reviewing and updating their care plans. Support for people with communication needs was provided. People were engaged in a range of different activities and they were encouraged to make choices about what activities they wanted to do. There was a complaints policy and process in place. The service had focussed on conversations with people and their families about life stories and making plans to meet people’s wishes at the end of life.

The registered manager had a clear vision for the service and they were supported by a management team who were focussed on providing good quality care and support for people. Regular checks of the service were carried out and monthly performance reports were prepared and shared with the regional manager. The service had a good relationship with the local GP practice and worked in partnership with professionals from health and social care organisations. People and their families were involved in meetings to receive updates and to share ideas and suggestions to enhance the care environment.

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

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 5 April 2022 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection to check whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations and to provide a rating for the service.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

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