Background to this inspection
Updated
8 January 2022
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector and a dentist.
Service and service type
Alexander House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed the information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
During the inspection we spoke with four people and three relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with seven members of staff including care workers, ancillary personnel, the chef, the deputy manager and the registered manager. We also spoke with a visiting healthcare professional.
We reviewed a range of records. They included four people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at four staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.
Updated
8 January 2022
About the service
Alexander House is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care for up to 16 aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The accommodation can support up to 16 people across two residential houses in East Sheen. At the time of the inspection there were 16 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
We have made a recommendation in relation to medicines management.
People and their relatives told us the service was safe, people were protected against the risk of harm and abuse as staff had received safeguarding training and knew the provider’s safeguarding procedure. There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff employed to keep people safe. People were supported by trained staff who followed the government COVID-19 guidance. The registered manager took swift action to learn lessons when things went wrong.
Staff received ongoing training to enhance their skills and knowledge. Staff were supported to reflect on their working practices through regular discussions with the registered manager. People were provided with sufficient food and drink that met their dietary needs and preferences. People’s health and wellbeing were regularly monitored.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported /did them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People received care and support from staff that demonstrated compassion and kindness. People were encouraged to make decisions about their care. Where possible, people were supported to maintain their independence where safe to do so. People were treated equally and had their diverse needs respected and facilitated.
People’s care was tailored to their individual needs. People were aware of how to raise their concerns and were confident these would be managed well. Activities provided ensured people were not social isolated. People’s end of life wishes were documented.
People spoke positively about the registered manager and management team. The provider encouraged people to share their views to drive improvement. Regular audits were carried out identified issues and enabled these to be acted on quickly. The registered manager and staff were clear about their responsibilities and actively worked in partnership with stakeholders.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good, published on 30 December 2017.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on our inspection scheduling.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Alexander House on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.