• Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: The Paddocks

Springfield Road, Wellhead, Eaton Bray, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2JT (01582) 601317

Provided and run by:
The Paddocks

All Inspections

8 May 2014

During a routine inspection

We carried out an inspection of The Paddocks on 08 May 2014.

We found that the home had not met the minimum standards required for cleanliness and infection control.

If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask;

Is the service safe?

Is the service effective?

Is the service caring?

Is the service responsive?

Is the service well-led?

This is a summary of what we found.

Is the service safe?

People at the service were cared for in a safe and well maintained home. There was enough staff available to provide them with the care that was required. We did however find that people were not always protected against the risk of infection because some areas of the home did not meet the required standards for cleanliness and infection control. We also found that although people were pleased with the laundry systems in place the laundry rooms were used for storage of items that were not part of the laundry process.

Is the service effective?

When we spoke with people who used the service and observed the care that was being provided, we saw that people were happy in their environment and enjoyed the company of staff and the manager. People said that staff were busy but that there were enough staff available to take care of their needs. Staff told us that they felt supported and were able to spend time with people. We saw that the care plans were regularly reviewed and contained detailed information about the person and their needs which meant that staff were kept aware of people's needs and were therefore able to provide the correct care and support.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and caring staff. We observed staff interacting with people and had time to sit with people and participate in games and activities. When we observed a person became staff were quick to intervene and reassure the person. The staff provided them with an explanation and responded to their concerns. People told us that staff were, 'lovely' and that, 'nothing was too much trouble' for them.

Is the service responsive?

Care plans and risk assessments were reviewed to ensure that they responded quickly to any changes in people's needs. We saw that staff responded to people's call bells and people in need of care in a timely way. For example on the day of our inspection the provider was requested to take a person for an appointment and they were quick to arrange transport and staff to accompany the person and support them, whilst ensuring that there was sufficient staff to support people at the service.

Is the service well-led?

During our inspection we saw that the manager spent time with people, talking with them and playing games. People we spoke with told us that the manager listened to any issues they had and was supportive. Staff were also happy and said that the manager was always involved with the care of people. We saw that the manager was continuously monitoring the effectiveness of the care, through spot checks, supervisions, and audits. We also noted that all care plan updates were also checked by the manager to ensure that staff had made all necessary updates.

11 April 2013

During a routine inspection

On the 11 April 2013 there were seven people living at the home. We spent time talking with individuals about their experiences and they told us that they were generally happy at the home. One person told us "It's fine. They look after us well." We saw that people were consulted about their care, had agreed their care plans and were asked if they wanted assistance before for the care was delivered. People said their views were sought at monthly meetings and they were treated with respect.

We looked at people's care plans and found these were person centred. They identified the needs of the individual with phrases such as "I need... " or "I am..." Staff administered the medication and had been trained to carry this out in a safe way.

The staffing levels at the home were kept under review by the Registered Manager. Two staff were on duty during the day with one waking night staff with the manager on call to cover the night shift. Staff and people living at the service told us that this was sufficient to meet people's needs. Staff were trained for their job roles and were supervised by the senior team to ensure that standards were maintained.

There was a complaints policy on display. One person told us they would speak with the manager if they had a complaint. There had not been any complaints up to the time of our inspection. A comments book was maintained and some issues had been raised; we saw these were responded to quickly by the Manager.

1 August 2012

During a themed inspection looking at Dignity and Nutrition

People told us what it was like to live at The Paddocks and described how they were treated by staff and their involvement in making choices about their care. They also told us about the quality and choice of food and drink available. This was because this inspection was part of an inspection programme to assess whether older people living in care homes are treated with dignity and respect and whether their nutritional needs are met.

The inspection team was led by a CQC inspector and an 'expert by experience' (a person who has experience of using services) and who can provide that perspective.

We spoke with four out of the nine people currently living at the home. People we spoke with told us that 'Staff are good and they treat us well and are very kind.'

People confirmed they were able to do as they pleased, such as get up and go to bed when they wished. They said that they had their meals where they choose.

Four people told us they had an alarm in their room and said, 'We don't usually have to wait all that long' and 'Staff usually come quickly.'

People told us the food was very tasty and 'If you don't like what's on the menu they will always cook something else for you.'

We were told that the staff were very kind and helpful.

22 November 2011

During a routine inspection

During our visit to The Paddocks on the 22 November 2011 we spoke with four people, with a diverse range of needs, about their experiences whilst living in the home.

People that we spoke with told us that there was always staff available to help them when they could not manage on their own or when they needed support or assistance.

They said that they felt safe, and were very satisfied with the care and support they received. They praised the staff that cared for them, saying 'they are all very good people here, nothing is too much bother for them'. They also acknowledged the kindness and patience shown to them by staff.

We observed the staff interacting confidently with people, showing patience and understanding, and encouraging people to be independent. They were friendly and professional in their approach to people and there was a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in the home.