We carried out a review of the data available to us about Argyle Park Care on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Argyle Park Care, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
The home facilitated face to face visits, in line with government guidance. The deputy manager told us this was essential to help support people's psychological and emotional well-being. Alternatives to in-person visitation, such as virtual visits, were also supported.
A ‘booking in’ procedure was in place for visitors to the home including, a health questionnaire and evidence of a negative lateral flow test. This helped prevent visitors spreading infection on entering the premises.
People and staff were tested regularly for COVID-19. Staff employed at the home had been vaccinated, to help keep people safe from the risk of infection.
Infection control policies and audits helped ensure that the home adopted best practice which complied with current guidance.
The home was clean and well maintained. We did note some damage to the floor of a communal bathroom, but this had already been identified for replacement.
Cleaning schedules and audits were in place to help maintain cleanliness and minimise the spread of infection.
Staff were trained and competent in infection prevention and control best practices and how to put on and take off PPE. Posters around the home acted as a visual reminder and prompt. The home had adequate supplies of appropriate PPE.
The registered manager maintained links with external health professionals to enable people to receive the care and intervention they needed. Virtual consultations took place as and when necessary.
Argyle Park care home is a residential care home providing personal care to 15 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 31 people.
People's experience of using this service and what we found
Although we were assured people were receiving appropriate care and support, records did not always reflect this. We have made a recommendation about the recording of care and support in people's care records.
Most people being supported by the service were living with dementia. The service had recently undergone some refurbishment so that people benefitted from an environment which was considerate to their specific needs.
The service had a warm and welcoming atmosphere and people were at ease in their surroundings. People told us they thought of Argyle Park as their own home. People and their relatives told us they were happy with the care and support being delivered and provided positive feedback about staff.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Staff received training and support to enable them to effectively meet the needs of the people they supported. Staff treated people with patience and kindness.
The service had a registered manager in place who was supported by the provider. Both people and staff spoke positively about the management team.
Staff used PPE appropriately and followed infection control practices which helped protect people from the risk of transmitting COVID-19.
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 Requires Improvement, published on 31 October 2019.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating under the previous provider, and is the first inspection for this service under the new provider.
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.
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.