The Abbey Residential Home

Updated 23 March 2022

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 COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice is safe and that services are compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 10 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection.

Updated 23 March 2022

About the service: The Abbey Residential Home is a care home providing personal care for up to 24 older people. At the time of the inspection, 21 people were using the service.

People’s experience of using this service: People told us they were happy, and staff understood their care and support needs. There was enough staff to provide support to people when needed. This was delivered by a consistent team who had the skills, knowledge and relevant training to support people.

People were treated with dignity and respect and their independence was promoted. Staff spent time getting to know people and their life histories. They understood the importance of this which stimulated meaningful conversations. Impromptu activities took place as staff recognised this had a positive impact on the number of people who chose to join in.

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 service supported this practice. Choices people made were respected.

Systems in place to continuously monitor the service had been improved to ensure people received a good quality service. The provider visited on a regular basis and engaged with people and staff. People felt they were listened to and their views respected. They were asked to provide regular feedback on the service provided.

People and staff spoke positively of the management team. The service was well-run by a registered manager who was supported by a care manager and deputy manager. The registered manager attended regular forums and events in the local area to build relationships. The service had good links with the local community and other professionals to promote and improve people’s health.

More information is in the Detailed Findings section below. For more details, please see the full report which is on the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection: At the last inspection the service was rated Good (report published 17 August 2016).

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

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.