Stella Matutina Care Home

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.

Managers carried out pre-admission assessments, which included prompts to ensure the necessary details were captured. Care plans were robust with a good level of information about people’s health and care needs.

Most people and relatives we spoke to confirmed they had been involved in the pre-admission assessment and the development of care plans; there was evidence of reviews on the electronic care planning system. A relative told us, “The registered manager and I spoke on the phone about [person’s] needs before they went in. I sent in a lot of information, and we sat down and had a chat for over an hour to see they had all [person’s] needs written down.”

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.

Managers carried out bi-monthly supervisions with staff and used these as an opportunity to share information about changes to best practice guidance or legislation with the team.

People gave positive feedback about the standard of food at the home and confirmed they had enough to eat. One person told us, “The food is exceedingly good. The menu is on the corridor every day and there is a good choice.” We observed lunch service at the home; the atmosphere was very sociable and relaxed.

People had drinks close to hand, and regular drinks rounds took place each day. However, there was some inconsistency with recording of fluid intake, including for several people who were at risk of dehydration.

Following feedback, the registered manager assured us staff had been reminded about the importance of providing regular prompts to encourage people to drink and recording fluid intake accurately.

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services.

Information sharing amongst the team was good. Handovers took place at the start of each shift, and a ‘daily huddle’ had recently been introduced to improve teamwork and communication. Staff and senior staff had monthly meetings to discuss changes to people’s health and care needs. A person using the service said, “I think they work well together.”

Managers and staff worked effectively with health and social care partners, to share information about people or ensure delegated tasks were carried out. A healthcare partner fed back, “Staff are always approachable. Good communication.” Another wrote, “Senior staff always have time to discuss any [people] with me. All staff have been responsive and taken onboard advice and guidance.”

The provider supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.

Staff made referrals to the necessary healthcare partners when people became unwell, or there was a decline to their mobility or wellbeing; and followed guidance to help maximise independence. A healthcare partner said, “The home is very aware of referral pathways. If they are ever unsure, they will contact our service or discuss at home rounds.” Another added, “[Staff] have a good relationship with the care home team and continue to make referrals in a timely manner when we have recommended appropriate services.”

Home rounds were held at the home, with someone from the local GP service attending bi-weekly, to review people’s healthcare needs.

Staff followed guidance from physiotherapists to support people with their mobility, and twice weekly armchair exercise sessions took place to help improve fitness.

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.

Staff supported people to achieve positive outcomes to their health and quality of life. One person told us, “When I came here, I couldn’t walk. [Staff] got me to use a walker and followed me with a wheelchair. Now I will use the lift by myself.”

Staff monitored people’s weights and used recognised tools to monitor the risk of malnutrition. When people lost weight, referrals were made to the GP or dietician, with interim measures put in place to help prevent further deterioration. For example, fortified meals and additional snacks.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment.

Staff received training in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) to help them understand the importance of consent, and people confirmed staff sought consent. One person said, “They always ask first and are very discreet.” Another added, “They discuss everything with me.”

Consent forms were signed by people or their relatives. MCA assessments had been carried out when necessary and were decision specific in line with best practice guidance. Detailed information about people’s cognition and level of capacity was included in care plans.