Jack Simpson House

Jack Simpson Residential Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Jack Simpson Residential Home accommodates up to 35 older people, including older people with dementia, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments. At the time of this inspection there were 31 people living there.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People and their relatives told us the service was safe. Comments included, “I feel very safe. If I was at home I’d be worried about everything. There’s always somebody here to help.” People and their relatives told us they felt confident they could speak out if they had any concerns about possible abuse. Staff had received training on safeguarding and knew how to recognise and report any suspicions of abuse. Safe recruitment procedures were followed to ensure people were cared for by staff who were entirely suitable for the job.

People told us staff understood the risks to their health and safety and knew how to support them to keep them safe. A person told us, “They know my illness”. Care records contained evidence of risk assessments on all areas of potential health risks, for example, falls, prevention of pressure sores, choking and weight loss. Staff recognised signs of illness or infection and took action promptly. People had access to external healthcare professionals to ensure their ongoing health and wellbeing.

There were sufficient staff employed to meet the needs of people living there, although we received mixed views from people living in the home and their relatives about staffing levels. The registered manager told us they had reviewed people’s dependency levels and staff response times to call bells at the end of 2017 and staffing levels were increased. Shift patterns had been adjusted. The number of permanent staff employed had increased and in the last few months they had not used any agency staff to cover vacant shifts. This had resulted in a stable staff team who knew people’s needs and preferences. During this inspection we saw call belels were answered promptly and staff supported people in a timely way, and did not appear rushed. People received care from staff who were well trained and competent to meet their individual needs.

Medicines were stored and administered safely. A relative told us “They’re looking after it. It’s perfect.” Staff had received training on safe administration of medicines. People held all, or most of their medicines in secure cabinets in their rooms. Records of medicines received into the home and administered by staff were accurate and regularly checked.

People lived in a home that was clean, warm and safe. All areas were clean and free from odours. The provider had a plan in place to decorate and improve many areas of the home. Equipment was serviced and checked regularly.

Before people moved into the home their needs were assessed and a plan of their care needs was drawn up and agreed with them. Care plans contained information on all areas of each person’s needs, and the information was detailed. However, the care plan files were very large, and finding information was not easy. Information was held in various places. Care plans were regularly reviewed and updated. However, we noted that information was not always transferred to all care documents. The registered manager assured us they would review the way important information was recorded and shared with staff.

People’s legal rights were upheld. Consent to care was sought in line with guidance and legislation. The provider had understood their responsibility in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

People told us they enjoyed the meals offered. Comments included, “‘It’s excellent, different every day, tasty, plenty of it’”. We saw staff supporting people to eat their midday meals in a discrete, observant and caring manner. People were offered a range of meals and drinks throughout the day to suit their individual dietary needs and preferences. Menus were displayed on a notice board outside the dining room showing at least two alternatives a meal times

People told us they received a kind and caring service. A relative told us “When she was unwell a few weeks ago she had to be in her room. On one occasion [the registered manager] sat with Mum, then another carer came up for a long time to sit with her. I was so touched”. Friends and relatives were made welcome, and were kept informed and involved in the person’s care. People told us staff respected their privacy and dignity.

Staff understood people’s social needs. An activities organiser was employed in the home, and a range of activities was provided. Staff also focussed on spending individual time with each person, for example during our visit we saw a member of staff sitting playing board games with people. Staff took people out for walks to local shops and pubs.

People and their relatives knew how to raise concerns and complaints and were confident they could speak out and their concerns would be listened to. People were involved and their views sought and listened to to enable the service to continuously improve.

People could be confident they would receive compassionate care at the end of their lives. Staff had received training on end of life care. Care plans explained people’s wishes and those of their relatives, for example, if their relatives wished to be contacted during the night if the person became seriously ill.

There were systems in place to monitor routines in the home and ensure the home was running smoothly. Accidents and incidents were recorded and monitored to identify actions needed, learn from mistakes and make improvements where needed. The registered manager provided weekly reports to the provider on all aspects of the home. People and their relatives told us they felt the service was well-managed.