Applethwaite Green

Updated 9 January 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 care homes with outbreaks of coronavirus, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 14 December 2020 and was announced.

Updated 9 January 2021

About the service

Applethwaite Green is a residential care home that provides personal care and accommodation for up to 27 people. At the time of our inspection there were 14 people living at the home. Accommodation is over two floors, with people living in units each with a communal lounge and kitchen/dining area. The ground floor unit provides care and accommodation for people who are living with dementia.

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

People told us they felt safe living at Applethwaite Green. They were cared for by enough care staff, who had received training on safeguarding people to keep them safe from avoidable harm. People told us when they needed assistance staff responded promptly. People received their medicines as prescribed and systems were in place for the safe management and supply of medicines. Risks to people were assessed and incidents and accidents recorded and analysed for themes. The premises were clean and hygienic and staff followed infection control and prevention procedures.

People were supported by staff who were trained and supported in their roles to help people to live healthy lives. The service worked with other organisations to make sure people had consistent care and treatment and access to professionals and support services as needed. People were given a choice of a varied and nutritious diet. 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 positive about the service and the care provided and felt staff listened to them. People were cared for by staff who were open and kind. The atmosphere within the home was friendly and welcoming and staff promoted people’s independence and personal dignity.

Staff provided care and support tailored to people's needs and choices. Staff knew them well and helped them pursue their own interests and take part in activities and entertainments they enjoyed. People were supported at the end of their life with compassion, to be comfortable and free from distressing symptoms and pain. Systems were in place to deal with any complaints raised about the service.

The registered manager displayed knowledge about the needs of the people who lived at Applethwaite Green. They displayed an understanding of the importance of good quality monitoring, openness and transparency and working closely with other agencies and healthcare professionals. People who used the service and staff said the registered manager was available and approachable and their views were sought to improve aspects 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 21 July 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Applethwaite Green on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

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.