We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Old Vicarage Care Home 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 The Old Vicarage Care Home, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
People using the service said they felt safe and well cared for. Comments included, “They (staff) have worked very hard to keep COVID away from us” and “I feel safe. Never safer in my life. Staff couldn’t be more kind and thoughtful. It is a wonderful place”.
The provider had detailed policies and procedures to manage any risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the management of people with a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.
Measures were in place to prevent the spread of infection by visitors to the service. All visitors were required to have a lateral flow test and to complete a health screening risk assessment on arrival. People living in the service and their family and friends were supported to maintain contact through a range of methods including visit appointments in a 'pod', video calls and the telephone calls.
A programme of regular COVID-19 testing for people living at the service and staff had been established. The testing programme reflected national guidance.
There was an ample supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and visitors to use. PPE supplies were seen throughout the building and easily accessible. Staff had received infection prevention and control training along with additional training relating to COVID 19 and the use of PPE. We observed staff using PPE correctly during our inspection. Clear signage and information were in place throughout the building to remind staff and visitors of their responsibilities.
The premises were clean and hygienic. Housekeeping staff had received relevant training and had the equipment and products needed to ensure good practice and hygiene standards were maintained.
The Old Vicarage is a residential care home registered to provide care for up to 41 older people who require personal care. Some of the people were living with dementia. The home does not provide nursing care. At the time of inspection there were 36 people living in the home.
People’s experience of using this service:
People did not always have their rights protected under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). MCA assessments were not carried out to each individual decision. Consent was not always sought from those who had the legal authority to do so. We told the registered manager and they worked to correct this during the inspection.
The home was displaying the ‘outstanding’ rating from the previous provider in three places at the home’s entrance. We told the registered manager to remove this as it may be misleading to the public. The registered manager arranged for this to be removed during the inspection.
People told us they felt safe and were happy living at The Old Vicarage Care Home. The staff demonstrated a good understanding of how to meet people’s individual needs. People’s outcomes were known, and staff worked with people to help achieve these. People were supported and encouraged to maintain their independence and live their lives as fully as possible.
People were supported to maintain contact with those important to them including friends, family and other people living at the home. Staff understood the importance of these contacts for people’s health and well-being. Staff and people were observed enjoying warm and mutually beneficial interactions. Staff knew people well and what made them individuals.
The management of the home were respected. Staff had a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities and were supported to reflect on their practice and pursue learning opportunities. The staff team worked and got on well together demonstrating team work and flexibility.
Quality and safety checks helped ensure people were safe and protected from harm. This meant the home could continually improve. Audits helped identify areas for improvement and this learning was shared with staff.
The service met the characteristics of good in all areas; more information is in the full report
Why we inspected:
This was the first scheduled comprehensive inspection of this service.
Follow up:
We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the home until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.