The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Swiss Cottage

Plantation Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3HU (01525) 377922

Provided and run by:
Four Seasons (No 9) Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See old profile
Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

4 September 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Staff told us that they felt supported at the home by the management team and they felt confident to speak with the manager if they had any questions. We found that the manager, with the support of the company, had introduced a system of supervision for all staff and this process made staff feel supported and listened to. We found that staff had been provided with training to assist them in developing their skills in mentoring and supervising other staff. This meant that the staff were able to support the people who use the service as they were kept up to date with training and development.

16 May 2012

During a routine inspection

When we visited Swiss Cottage on 16 May 2012 we found that people had varying levels of communication which made it difficult for us to always discuss their care with them in any depth. Therefore we used a number of different methods including observations, and talking with people's relatives, to help us understand their experiences.

There was a calm and relaxed atmosphere in the home, and we observed that most people looked clean and comfortable. When people required assistance and support, this was recognised and addressed by staff, who we noted were caring and respectful in the way they delivered care. One person said 'These are the best carers in the company, they look after us very well'.

We observed that where possible people were encouraged to make choices about different aspects of their lives, including what they had to eat and how they spent their time. One person told us. 'I can always do what I like, you couldn't find a better place'. Another said 'I'm very happy here, I can eat where I like, it's wonderful'.

We noted that people looked at ease in the company of the staff who cared for them, and three relatives that we spoke with confirmed that overall they were satisfied with the service provided in this home. One said. 'The care is fantastic'. Whilst another told us that there was always a pleasant atmosphere and they were always made welcome when they visited.

Swiss Cottage held monthly meetings to enable people who use the service and their relatives to share there views and opinions, and make suggestions for improvements.

7 December 2011

During an inspection in response to concerns

People who we spent time with during this review, indicated to us, either through verbal communication or gestures that they were generally happy with the care and support they received, and praised some of the staff that cared for them.

People that we spoke with told us that they like the staff that cared for them. One person named two staff in person stating 'they were the best'.

We noted that people were relaxed and comfortable in the company of the staff, and observed staff interacting confidently with people, showing patience and understanding, and encouraging them to be independent. They were friendly and caring in their approach to people.

We observed that people were given their medication when they needed it and that the doctor was always called for them if they felt unwell. Appointments with other health professionals such as opticians and chiropodists were made for them at regular intervals, and consequently people were satisfied with the care provided in this home.

With regards to leisure activities and social interactions, some people said that with the exception of bingo once a week, they were left to their own devices because the staff were so busy.