• Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Beulah Lodge Rest Home Limited

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

1 Beulah Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2NP (01892) 543055

Provided and run by:
Beulah Lodge Rest Home Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

17 February 2021

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Beulah Lodge Rest Home is a registered care home providing personal care for up to 21 older people with various support needs including some people living with the early stages of dementia. The accommodation is provided in one adapted building. At the time of the inspection there were 14 people living in the service.

We found the following examples of good practice.

¿ The registered manager had implemented procedures to minimise the risk of infection from visitors. Visiting was by appointment only. A visitor pod had been created with floor to ceiling screens to support safe visiting. A side entrance enabled visitors to safely access the pod without walking through the home. The service had invested in technology to support regular communication between relatives and their loved ones.

¿ The service had procedures in place to enable new people to move into the service safely. A 14-day isolation period and COVID-19 testing regimes were agreed in advance. Health monitoring was in place during the isolation period and enhanced personal protective equipment was used.

¿ There was enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet current and future demand. Staff were using PPE correctly and disposal was safe. There were enhanced cleaning schedules in place monitored by an infection control lead.

¿ The service had an up to date infection control policy with supplementary information specifically related to COVID-19. Infection control audits were undertaken, and actions taken when necessary. Staff had received training and were regularly supervised to monitor compliance.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

15 October 2019

During a routine inspection

About the service

Beulah Lodge Rest Home Limited is a residential care home providing personal care for up to 21 older people with various support needs, including physical and sensory impairment. At the time of our inspection, 17 people were in residence. The care home is located close to local shops and amenities. It consists of one adapted building. There are a range of communal areas, including a garden for people to enjoy.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Without exception, everyone we spoke with talked about the outstanding care they received at Beulah Lodge Rest Home. Everyone was happy to be living there and spoke positively about all aspects of the service. One person said, “I truly am very happy”. A relative told us, “They genuinely care about her welfare, and are always looking to do the best for her”.

People received exceptional care that improved their wellbeing. Strong relationships were formed between staff and people due to the continuity of staff and the very caring approach of staff members. Staff actively supported people to remain independent and to retain their mobility.

People spoke of the ‘family feel’ within the home and said staff couldn’t do enough for them. In compliments to the home we read, ‘Beulah is the most homely and caring of homes’ and 'Beulah provides the best of care in a professional yet friendly and happy environment’. People were encouraged to be involved in decisions relating to their care and were treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

Care was highly personalised to meet people's needs. Care plans provided detailed information and guidance for staff on people's care and support needs, likes and dislikes, and exactly how they wished to receive personal care.

Activities were organised according to people's preferences, interests and suggestions. Several activities involved people from the local community. People's communication needs were identified and planned for. People expressed confidence that they could raise any issues or concerns with any member of staff or the management team and that these would be addressed.

People could spend the rest of their lives at the home, if their needs could be met and this was their wish.

People felt safe and told us they enjoyed living at the service. One relative said, “What we wanted was a home from home environment, this has proven to be just that but safer”. Risks to people had been assessed and staff followed guidance to keep people safe. Staffing levels were enough to meet people's needs and to offer one to one time. Medicines were managed safely. The home was clean and staff had been trained in infection prevention and control. Lessons were learned if things went wrong.

People spoke positively about the staff who supported them and had confidence in their skills and

experience. Staff had regular supervisions and an annual appraisal. People were very enthusiastic about the food and were able to make suggestions for the menu. Snacks and drinks were readily available throughout the day. People had access to a range of healthcare professionals and support. Premises were suitable and comfortable and met people's needs.

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.

Areas of concern identified at our previous inspection had been addressed. The provider had systems of quality assurance to measure and monitor the standard of the service and drive

improvement. People considered the home was well-organised. The registered manager provided a visible presence at the home and was well-regarded.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection (and update)

The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 19 October 2018). The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

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.

10 July 2018

During a routine inspection

We conducted an unannounced comprehensive inspection at Beulah Lodge on 10 July 2018. Beulah Lodge is a ‘care home’ for older people. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Beulah Lodge accommodates up to 21 people in one building. At the day of our inspection 17 people were living at the home.

There was a manager in post who was registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.’ The registered manager was also a director of the registered organisation and the Nominated Individual (a Nominated Individual must be employed as a director, manager or secretary of the organisation, with authority to speak on behalf of the organisation. They must also be in a position which carries responsibility for supervising the management of the carrying on of the regulated activity). The management team consisted of the registered manager, a manager, a clerical manager and a team leader.

At our last inspection, published in January 2016 the service was rated as good overall and for all five questions we ask. At this inspection we found some areas which need improvement within safe, effective and well led.

There were health and safety policies, audits and monitoring in place; however, the provider had failed to ensure the environment was safe. The provider could not be assured that people could vacate the premises safely if a fire were to break out. Fire drills had not gone as planned and corrective action had not been taken. We have made a recommendation about this. A first-floor bedroom window was not restricted from opening fully, this put people at serious risk. This was a breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 regulations. Post the inspection the provider told us they had taken immediate corrective action with regard to the window restrictor.

The provider did not consistently ensure the safe use of people’s prescribed medicines. Medicines errors were not analysed effectively to prevent reoccurrence; there were not always protocols in place for people who needed medication ‘as and when required’ to ensure people received medicines when they needed them. The failure to ensure the proper and safe management of medicines was a breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 regulations. Post the inspection, the provider told us they had taken corrective action.

Accidents and incidents were not always analysed effectively so lessons were not always learned when things went wrong. This is an area for improvement. Individual risks relating to people’s care were managed, systems were in place and appropriate action taken. Safeguarding and whistleblowing policies were in place, concerns had been appropriately reported and staff had received training. Systems were in place which ensured information held about people was secure. There were sufficient staff available to meet people’s needs and safe recruitment practices were completed. Infection prevention and control policies, risk assessments and systems were in place.

People were asked to consent to their care. People’s needs were assessed and people’s care plans detailed their individual needs. Although the provider had meet people’s needs around their communication, they were not aware of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS). We have made a recommendation about this.

Feedback on the choice, quality and amount of food was very positive. People were supported to live healthily and access healthcare. The provider worked with partner organisations to ensure people received the care they needed. The premises had been adapted to meet the mobility needs of people and some consideration had been given to people with dementia and their needs around their environment. Care staff had received an induction, training and on-going support to do their job and received periodic supervision and appraisals.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. The provider had trained and supported staff to understand the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act in general, and the specific requirements of the DoLS. However, the provider had not always complied with the Care Quality Commission’s (Registration) Regulations 2009 as they had not informed us of two authorised applications for DoLS.

Staff were caring and the provider promoted a person centred culture. This was evidenced in the environment and in the way people were cared for. People’s rooms were personal and reflected their interests. The service was very homely, smelt nice and provided comfortable living accommodation for people. The manager and staff knew the people they cared for well and we saw positive personal interactions between staff and people throughout the day. The provider considered peoples individual protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. People were supported to maintain contact with their families and all relatives could visit whenever they wished. Managers and staff encouraged people to be involved with their care. Residents and relatives meetings were held and feedback was sought. Staff respected and promoted people’s needs for independence, privacy and dignity. Confidential information was kept secure and there was evidence that the provider was aware of new data protection laws.

People received personalised care which was responsive to their needs. Care plans and assessments were person centred and described what was important to the person, including their likes and dislikes and were tailored to their individual needs. The provider supported people as they reached and at the end of their life. People’s end of life wishes, where known, were recorded and reflected well in people’s care plans. Staff told us they had received training in end of life care.

People were supported to take part in activities they liked within and outside of the home. We observed an activity within the home and saw that people were either engaged or enjoyed watching and the staff leading the activity was friendly and skilled at engaging people. People and relatives could raise any concerns or complaints they had and complaints were recorded, monitored and managed appropriately.

Audits were completed and an annual development plan had identified areas for development, which was reviewed regularly. There were systems in place to ensure that quality, performance and risks were managed, however these were not always effective. This was a breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 regulations. Post the inspection, the provider told us they had taken corrective action.

The provider promoted continuous learning by reviewing survey results and action plans from audits and making improvements. The management team promoted a positive culture, had a visible presence in the service and knew people well. People, relatives and staff were engaged in the service and the provider sought on-going involvement through regular meetings. The managers fed back to people, relatives and staff actions they had taken because of feedback. There were appropriate policies and procedures in place for staff guidance and the managers and staff worked in partnership with a range of healthcare professionals to meet people’s needs.

We noted that the provider had reviewed their Statement of Purpose (a Statement of Purpose is a document all registered providers must have, and which describes what they do, where they do it and who they do it for) but it was no longer in keeping with the regulations. We have made a recommendation about this.

During this inspection we found three breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and one breach of the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2014. Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded. This is the first time the service has been rated as Requires Improvement.

24 November 2015

During a routine inspection

The inspection was carried out on 24 November 2015 by two inspectors. It was an unannounced inspection. The home provides personal care and accommodation for a maximum of 20 older people. There were 20 people living there at the time of our inspection. All the people living in the home were able to express themselves verbally.

There was a manager in post who was registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Staff were trained in how to protect people from abuse and harm. They knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to raise an alert if they had any concerns. Risk assessments were centred on the needs of the individual. Each risk assessment included clear measures to reduce identified risks and guidance for staff to follow or make sure people were protected from harm.

There was a system to record and monitor accidents and incidents to identify how the risks of recurrence could be reduced. There were sufficient staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Staffing levels were calculated and adjusted according to people’s changing needs. There were safe recruitment procedures in place which included the checking of references.

Medicines were stored, administered, recorded and disposed of safely and correctly. Staff were trained in the safe administration of medicines and kept relevant records that were accurate.

All fire protection equipment was serviced and maintained.

People’s bedrooms were personalised to reflect their individual tastes and personalities.

Staff knew each person well and understood how to meet their support needs. People told us, “Every need is covered here” and, “The staff and I know each other very well indeed, I bet they can hear my thoughts by now”.

Staff received essential training and had the opportunity to receive further training specific to the needs of the people they supported. All members of care staff received regular one to one supervision sessions and were scheduled for an annual appraisal. This ensured they were supporting people to the expected standards.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is required by law to monitor the operation of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. There was a system to submit appropriate applications to restrict people’s freedom considering least restrictive options as per the Mental Capacity Act 2005 requirements.

Staff sought and obtained people’s consent before they helped them.

The service provided meals that were in sufficient quantity and met people’s needs and choices. Staff knew about and provided for people’s dietary preferences and restrictions.

Staff communicated effectively with people, responded to their needs promptly, and treated them with kindness and respect.

People were satisfied about how their care and treatment was delivered. Relatives told us, “The quality of care here is second to none” and, “The staff are amazing, so kind and patient.”

People were involved in their day to day care. People’s care plans were reviewed with their participation and relatives were invited to contribute.

Clear information about the service, the facilities, and how to complain was provided to people and visitors. The activities programme was provided for people in a suitable format which made it easy to read.

People were able to spend private time in quiet areas when they chose to. People’s privacy was respected and people were assisted in a way that respected their dignity.

People were promptly referred to health care professionals when needed. Personal records included people’s individual plans of care, likes and dislikes and preferred activities. The staff promoted people’s independence and encouraged people to do as much as possible for themselves.

People’s individual assessments and care plans were reviewed monthly with their participation and updated when their needs changed.

People were involved in the planning of activities and told us they were satisfied with the activities provided.

The service took account of people’s feedback, comments and suggestions. People’s views were sought and acted on. The registered manager sent satisfaction questionnaires regularly to people’s relatives or representatives, analysed the results and acted upon them. Staff told us they felt valued under the registered manager’s leadership.

The registered manager notified the Care Quality Commission of any significant events that affected people or the service. The registered manager kept up to date with any changes in legislation that may affect the service and carried out audits to identify how the service could improve. They acted on the results of these audits and made necessary changes to improve the quality of the service and care.

1 October 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with seven people using the service or their relatives. They were positive about the service. One person told us they received 'good care', 'the staff are great' and that it 'couldn't be better'. Another person using the service said they 'couldn't fault the home' and that the staff were very positive. A relative we spoke with said they had 'no criticisms of the home' and that the staff 'seem to have a laugh and a joke with people'.

The care records we looked at showed that people had had their needs assessed and care plans developed from this. Where people had healthcare needs appropriate advice and treatment was sought.

There were processes in place for the management of infection control within the service.

The service had processes for managing and administering medication safely and securely.

The service monitored the quality of the service, and responded to any concerns raised.

13 September 2012

During a routine inspection

We spoke with at least six people who used the service or their relatives. They told us that people using the service were treated with respect by staff. We saw that people had personalised their rooms with their own belongings. People said they were involved in their care and told us 'it's my choice' about what they wanted. People using the service, their relatives and the staff were asked for their views about the service, and actions had been taken as a result of this.

People and their relatives were mostly positive about the care they received, and felt safe in the home. They told us they talked to the staff about any problems they had. One person told us they were 'really quite happy, no complaints at all really' and another said the service was 'fantastic' and had a 'lovely atmosphere'. People told us that if they were unwell the home responded to their needs.

The home was clean and tidy and there were no unpleasant smells. One person told us that the environment "could do with improvement." We saw that some areas of the home showed signs of wear and tear, but others had been recently decorated or refurbished. There was outdoor space and a summerhouse that people told us they enjoyed using.

People were positive about the staff and told us they were 'all very kind and caring'. The home had had staffing vacancies over the summer, but these were now filled. People using the service told us that staff had been 'very busy' but their needs had still been met.

4 May 2011

During an inspection in response to concerns

People told us that they were well cared for; staff were caring and friendly and understood their needs. People had good relationships with staff.

People said their needs were well met, they received the care they expected to have and the home accommodated any changes in care or routine that were needed.

They said they were happy with the standard of accommodation and cleanliness, a relative commented that there was never an unpleasant odour in the home.

People complimented the standard of the food; they said it was of very good quality with plenty of choice available.

People told us they were pleased about changes made to the home over recent months and felt it was improving.