The Seaton

Updated 10 March 2021

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.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 24 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 10 March 2021

About the service: The Seaton is a nursing home that provided personal and nursing care to 24 people at the time of the inspection. It provides long term care for people and shorter-term respite care following illness or to give carers a break. It also provides care for people living with dementia.

People’s experience of using this service:

Staff developed exceptionally positive caring and compassionate relationships with people. People and relatives consistently spoke about the "family atmosphere" at The Seaton. People and relatives said; “Staff are caring,” “They treat [my relative] and all other residents with compassion and kindness.” A staff member captured the ethos of the home when they said; “People’s illness is secondary, their care is not time or task led, we do what we can to make a great day for each person.”

People experienced a level of care and support that promoted their physical and mental wellbeing and enhanced their quality of life. Staff focused on people's wellbeing, they knew about people's lives, talents and importance of having a sense of purpose. The service recently started a weekly nursery group at the home with a local children’s nursery. People joined in and helped with the children. These were enjoyed by all and invoked happy memories of nurturing and parenting.

People mattered and they received care personalised to their needs. People were encouraged to socialise, pursue their interests and hobbies and try new things in a wide variety of inspiring and innovative ways. People received effective care, based on best practice evidence by staff with excellent communication skills. Staff had an in-depth knowledge of people’s care and treatment needs and used best practice evidence to improve people’s lives.

People’s nutrition and hydration and mealtime experience had improved their enjoyment of food.

People's privacy, dignity and independence was promoted and their rights and choices respected. Staff 'went that extra mile' to meet people’s needs and wishes.

People received a consistently high standard of care because the provider and registered manager led by example and set high expectations of staff about the standards of care expected.

People were asked for their consent before they received any care and treatment. People were supported in the least restrictive way possible; the policies, systems and culture in the service supported this practice.

People were supported to have a peaceful, comfortable and dignified end of life care in line with national best practice guidance. Relatives commented on the kind words, reassurance and compassion of staff towards them and their loved ones.

Rating at last inspection: Good. (report published 10 November 2016)

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last

comprehensive inspection. At this inspection, the rating for the service improved to Outstanding.

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

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