Acomb Court

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, promoted a good quality of life and was 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. Daily monitoring records such as those for food, fluid and repositioning were completed, and pre‑admission information was used as the basis for care plans. Some plans needed further review, but this work was underway. The management team recognised that some people’s needs had become more complex than initially assessed and worked closely with external professionals to support changes. This demonstrated their commitment to using assessments to ensure people received appropriate care.

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. Involvement was sometimes verbal but then not always fully documented in a small number of cases. The provider was reviewing and updating this process. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards. Kitchen staff consistently provided a varied selection of home‑cooked meals tailored to people’s dietary needs. Mealtimes were well organised and enjoyable. Food quality was consistently praised, including, “The food is excellent without a doubt.” We observed people being offered appropriate diets and choices, with staff ensuring that those on modified diets received the correct consistency.

Staff applied good practice and used external professional guidance, including Speech and Language Therapy teams (SALT) recommendations. Records were generally clear, though some dietary documentation needed updating which the management team were addressing. This did not impact the delivery of safe and effective care.

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.

Communication between some staff teams had previously been inconsistent, the provider had introduced improvements, and staff told us communication was now better across shifts. This helped ensure people only needed to share information once, promoting good continuity of care.

The provider had regular visits from, GP’s, district nurses, mental health specialists and the community matron, who provided responsive advice. The management team were actively trying to strengthen communication with healthcare professionals through meetings focused on improving joint ways of working.

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.

People valued the support they received. We received comments such as, “I enjoy the food and I get my medication on time." Staff encouraged people to maintain independence where possible, and activities were tailored to support wellbeing and healthy routines. For example, one person was observed being encouraged to use their zimmer frame to support them walking independently.

People were consistently supported to live healthier lives through monitoring, external referrals, and interventions that aligned with best practice.

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. Outcomes were reviewed, and examples of positive progress were evident. One relative told us, "There is always a consistent approach and we’re now seeing a different person compared to her state prior to coming in."Staff understood the importance of regular evaluation, and records showed changes to people’s care were made when needed.

People confirmed they felt their outcomes were positive. A person said, “The care is extremely well organised and they treat everyone equally." Outcome monitoring was supported by regular involvement from professionals such as occupational therapists and district nurses ensuring clinical expectations were met and promoted good quality of life.

People were supported to understand and exercise their rights around consent, and decisions were made in line with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). The provider had applied appropriately to have Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) put in place where this was required to protect people. Staff had received training and understood how to support people in line with the MCA.

People described staff as considerate and said they were encouraged to choose how they spent their time. Staff sought permission before providing care. People said staff involved them in day‑to‑day decisions, and support was delivered in a respectful, person‑centred way.