Background to this inspection
Updated
1 January 2020
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 Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
The inspection was completed by one inspector.
Service and service type
The Downes Residential Care Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager who was registered with the Care Quality Commission. A registered manager, alongside the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
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. The provider was asked and returned a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
During the inspection
We spoke with 13 people who used the service and two relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with six members of staff including the registered manager, care workers and one of the owners of the service. We also spoke with one external professional.
We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at four staff files in relation to recruitment, training and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
Updated
1 January 2020
About the service
The Downes Residential Care Home is a care home providing personal care to 28 people, some of whom are living with dementia. Some older people with a learning disability were also supported. People are primarily aged over 65 years. At the time of the inspection 26 people lived at the service. The home was on three floors with a range of communal areas. These included dining spaces and lounges.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The service had suitable safeguarding systems in place, and staff had received training about recognising abuse.
Risk assessment procedures were satisfactory so any risks to people were minimised.
The medicines system was managed effectively. The system was well organised, we did not find any errors, recording was to a good standard and people said they received their medicines on time. Staff received suitable training about medicines.
Staff were recruited appropriately. For example suitable references were obtained when new staff had previously worked in a caring capacity. Checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service were obtained.
Staffing levels were satisfactory. We observed people receiving prompt support from care staff when required. People said they were happy with the support they received and they did not have to wait too long.
The building was clean, and there were appropriate procedures to ensure any infection control risks were minimised.
The service had suitable assessment systems to assist the registered provider to check they could meet people’s wishes and needs before admission was arranged.
People received enough to eat and drink. Some people said the quality of meals was good and they received a choice about the meals they received.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. Policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Care planning systems were satisfactory. Care plans outlined people’s needs and were reviewed when people’s needs changed.
People received support from external health professionals and were encouraged to live healthier lives.
People said they received support from staff which was caring and respectful. Care promoted people’s dignity and independence. People were involved in decisions about their care.
People had the opportunity to participate in activities. Activities were seen as a high priority and were organised to a very high standard. People had the opportunity to regularly go out on trips and for walks.
People felt confident raising any concerns or complaints. The service had an effective complaints procedure.
Staff induction procedures were satisfactory. For example there was suitable information to show staff had received a comprehensive induction. Staff received suitable training to carry out their roles. Suitable records were available to demonstrate staff received regular one to one supervision with a senior member of staff.
The team worked well together and had the shared goal of providing a good service to people who lived at the home.
The service was managed effectively. People, relatives and staff had confidence in the management of the service.
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 was Good (published 15 June 2017). As a consequence of this inspection the rating has remained as Good.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.