Background to this inspection
Updated
13 September 2019
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.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector and an expert by experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
Belmont Villa 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
The inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We reviewed other information that we held about the service such as notifications. These are events that happen in the service that the provider is legally required to tell us about. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with seven people and four relatives/friends about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager and deputy manager. We observed how staff interacted with people in the home.
We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care and medicine records. We looked at three 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 also reviewed.
After the inspection
We spoke with one relative on the telephone following the inspection.
Updated
13 September 2019
About the service
Belmont Villa is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 24 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 31 people.
Belmont Villa consists of two converted houses close to a park and not far from the town. People had several lounges they could choose from so they could invite relatives or sit in a quiet area with a book. There were accessible garden areas with a safety surface that could reduce injury if a person fell.
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.
People received care and support that was safe. The provider had a robust recruitment programme and staff had received training in recognising abuse and safeguarding people.
There were enough staff to look after people safely and take time to sit for a chat or go for a walk. Risk assessments were in place with guidance for staff about how to keep people safe.
People received effective care and support that was focused on the person. Staff demonstrated a very good understanding of people’s needs and received training relevant to their role and the needs of people living in the home. People enjoyed a healthy balanced and nutritious diet based on their preferences and health needs.
People received care from staff who were kind and caring. Staff always respected people’s privacy and dignity. People told us they felt respected and valued. People were supported to express an opinion about the care provided and were involved in the day to day running of the home.
People received responsive care and support which was personalised to their individual needs and wishes and promoted independence. There was clear guidance for staff on how to support people in line with their wishes. People’s end of life wishes was recorded, and the home worked with other healthcare professionals to ensure people were comfortable and pain free.
People were supported by a team that was well led. The registered manager demonstrated an open and positive approach to learning and development. Everybody spoken with said they felt the manager was open and approachable. All staff said they felt valued and respected. One staff member told us how the registered manager had supported them, so they could continue to work at the home. Systems in place meant the registered manager was able to retain staff so they could develop relationships with people living in the home. One person told us the staff, “…are my friends.”
There were effective systems in place to monitor the quality of the service, ensure staff kept up to date with good practice and to seek people’s views. Records showed the service responded to concerns and learnt from issues raised.
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 this service was Good (published 3 February 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
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.