Archived: St Benets Court

Updated 16 November 2017

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 was 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.

This unannounced comprehensive inspection was undertaken on 16 October 2017 by one social care inspector 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. The expert-by-experience supporting this inspection had experience in the care needs of older people including those living with dementia or with a physical disability and/or sensory impairment.

Before the inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We looked at the information in the PIR and also looked at other information we held about the service before the inspection visit.

During this inspection, we spoke in detail with 11 people living at St Benets Court and two relatives. We also spoke with one visiting healthcare professional, the registered manager, area manager and provider as well as seven members of staff, including care, housekeeping and catering staff. We looked around the premises and spent time with people in the communal areas. We observed how staff interacted with people throughout the day, including during lunch. We reviewed a number of records relating to individual care and the running of the home. These included four care and support plans, three staff recruitment files as well as records relating to staff training, medication administration and the quality monitoring of the service.

Updated 16 November 2017

St Benets Court is one of a group of five care homes in the South Devon area owned by Coastal Care Homes Ltd. It provides personal care for up to 32 older people who require care and support due to a physical or sensory disability or due to living with dementia. Nursing care is provided by the local community nursing team. Accommodation is provided over two floors and a passenger lift provides access to the first floor. At the time of this inspection, 27 people were living at the home.

At the last inspection in August 2015, the home was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

Why the service is rated Good.

The care and support provided at St Benets Court continues to meet all relevant fundamental standards.

People received safe care and support. One person told us, “Of course, I feel safe here, well protected.” The home employed sufficient numbers of safely recruited and well-trained staff to meet people’s needs and to spend time socialising with them. Risk assessments were carried out to enable people to retain their independence and which guided staff to support them in a way that minimised risks.

People's healthcare needs were monitored and people received their medicines safely. When necessary people were referred to healthcare professionals such as the GP and community nursing team. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the home supported this practice.

People told us, and we observed, that staff were kind, caring and patient. A relative told us that they “couldn’t be happier” with the home and the staff. Individualised care plans provided staff with clear guidance and information about people’s care needs and their preferences. People told us the management team were open and approachable. The registered manager encouraged feedback about the quality of care and support provided at the home. Complaints were fully investigated and responded to.

There were effective monitoring systems in place to ensure the home provided person centred care in a safe environment.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.