The Old Vicarage

Updated 13 February 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 the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 21 January 2021 and was announced.

Updated 13 February 2021

We carried out this unannounced inspection on 19 and 20 July 2018.

In June 2017 the registered provider for the service changed. This was our first inspection of the home since the new provider was registered.

The Old Vicarage 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.

The home provides accommodation and personal care for up to 19 older people and people who are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 14 people living in the home.

The home is a large period property, set in its own grounds, that has been adapted for its present use. The home has thirteen single bedrooms and three double rooms that two people can choose to share. Communal space is provided in the form of a sitting room, dining room and conservatory.

The registered provider was an individual who also managed the service on a day-to-day basis. Registered providers 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 told us this was a good home and said they would recommend it. The staff knew people well and treated people in a kind and caring way.

People were safe and protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Hazards to people’s safety had been identified and managed. The staff gave people guidance about maintaining their safety in the home and while attending activities in the community.

There were enough trained and competent staff to provide the support people required. The staff were attentive to people and provided the support they needed in a timely manner.

The registered provider carried out checks on new staff to ensure they were suitable to work in the home.

People were provided with meals and drinks they enjoyed. Where people required support from staff to enjoy their meals this was provided discreetly and as they needed.

The registered provider and staff in the home were knowledgeable about their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and people’s rights were respected. 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.

Care was planned and delivered to meet people’s needs. People received the support they required to maintain their mental and physical health. The registered provider worked with appropriate services to ensure people continued to receive the support they required if their needs changed and when they were approaching the end of life.

Visitors were made welcome in the home and people could see their friends and families as they wished.

The registered provider had a procedure for receiving and responding to complaints about the service. Where concerns were shared with the registered provider action was taken to further improve the service.

There were arrangements in place to ensure the effective management of the home. The registered provider was supported by a care manager and senior care staff. People knew the registered provider and were confident approaching him as they needed.

The registered provider was committed to providing a good quality service. People who lived in the home and their families were asked for their views and action was taken in response to their comments. The registered provider carried out checks on the service to ensure people continued to receive good care.