Archived: Housman Court

Updated 24 January 2019

The inspection: We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked 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.

Inspection team: There was one inspector in the inspection team and one 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: Housman Court is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided. The registered manager was not available at the time of the inspection, so we spoke with another of the provider’s managers.

Notice of inspection: This inspection was unannounced.

What we did: We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. This included details about incidents the provider must notify us about, such as abuse; and we sought feedback from the local authority and other professionals who work with the service. We assessed the 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. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection, we spoke with eight people who used the service and two relatives to ask about their experience of the care provided. We also observed how people interacted with staff.

We spoke with two senior managers, three members of staff, the chef, the deputy manager as well as a visiting health professional.

We reviewed a range of records. These included two people's care records and multiple medication records. We also looked at records relating to the management of the home. For example, systems for managing any complaints, checks undertake on the health and safety of the home, surveys completed by people and compliments received.

Updated 24 January 2019

What life is like for people using this service:

• People enjoyed living at Housman Court and felt safe and comfortable around staff who understood their personal circumstances and how to recognise and report abuse.

•Staff recognised the risks to people’s health, safety and well-being and how to support them safely. Where relevant, specialist equipment was used.

•People had access to support from staff when needed.

•Staff recruitment processes included a check of their background to review their suitability to work at the home.

•People received support with the medicines. Regular checks were undertaken to ensure people received the correct support by staff who were competent to support them.

•Staff understood and practised infection control techniques.

•The registered manager ensured people’s care was based on best practice and staff had the correct training to meet people’s needs.

•Staff training was reviewed and guidance on people’s needs was also shared through supervision and staff meetings.

•People were offered choices at mealtimes and encouraged to share ideas for their menu. Where people had specific nutritional requirements, these were also catered for.

•People were supported to attend healthcare appointments and advice from healthcare professionals was incorporated into people’s care.

• People were treated with dignity and respect and their independence was promoted.

•People and their families were involved in planning their care with support from staff.

•Staff supported people to enjoy a range of activities which reflected people’s individual interests.

•People and their families understood how to complain if they wanted to.

•Staff felt supported by the registered manager and felt part of a newly established team that were keen to develop people’s care further.

•Staff worked together with the registered manager and families to ensure people’s care was continually monitored, reviewed and reflected people’s needs.

• The registered managers and staff worked with other stakeholders to improve people’s experience of care. .

• We found the service met the characteristics of a “Good” rating in all areas; More information is available in the full report

Rating at last inspection: Good (published 09 June 2016)

About the service: Housman Court is a is a residential care home, providing personal care and accommodation. There were 28 people living with dementia. The service provides accommodation and personal care to older adults.

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. The service remained rated Good overall.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.