Updated 2 June 2018

Oakdene is a residential care home for 71older people. The home consists of two separate buildings within the same grounds and offers both residential and nursing care to older people, some of whom are living with a dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 54 people using the service.

At the last inspection, the service was rated ‘Good’. At this inspection we found the service remained ‘Good’ although some improvement was required in management oversight.

People were protected from avoidable harm as staff understood how to recognise signs of abuse and the actions needed if abuse was suspected. There were enough staff to provide safe care and recruitment checks had ensured they were suitable to work with vulnerable adults. People had their risks assessed and actions to minimise risks were understood by staff and respected people’s freedoms and choices. Medicines had been administered safely by trained staff that were aware of the actions needed if a medicine error happened. Staff had completed infection control training and followed procedures that protected people from avoidable infections. The service was responsive when things went wrong and reviewed practices in a timely manner.

People had their needs and choices assessed prior to living at Oakdene and this information had been used to create care plans that recognised people’s diversity and lifestyle choices. Care plans had been developed in line with current legislation, standards and good practice guidance. Staff had completed induction and on-going training that enabled them to carry out their roles effectively. People had access to healthcare when needed and working relationships with health professionals enabled effective care outcomes for people. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were followed which ensured people had their rights protected.

The environment and use of technology met people’s needs and helped them maintain their independence. People had personalised their rooms and some had memory boxes which contained photos and memorabilia that represented past interests and hobbies.

Staff were caring and showed patience and kindness when interacting with people, ensuring people had their privacy and dignity respected. They understood people’s individual communication needs enabling people to be involved in decisions about their day to day lives.

Social opportunities included one to one time with staff, group activities in the home and community and fund raising events. Links with the community included providing a place of safety for people with a dementia experiencing a crisis.

Oakdene had not always met their legal responsibilities to share information with CQC in a timely manner. They also were not able to demonstrate processes had been followed to meet regulatory standards when dealing with complaints prior to February 2018. A complaints process was in place that people were aware of and felt able to use. A complaints log had been commenced from February 2018 which demonstrated people’s complaints had been investigated and the appropriate actions taken.

A whistleblowing and grievance procedure was in place but staff had not always felt empowered to use them to report concerns about their wellbeing in the work place. Management changes had taken place which had created a more open and positive culture, improved communication and teamwork.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

Updated 2 June 2018

The service remains Good

Updated 2 June 2018

The service remains Good.

Updated 2 June 2018

The service remains Good.

Updated 2 June 2018

The service remains Good

Updated 2 June 2018

The service has deteriorated to Requires Improvement

Statutory notifications had not always been sent to the Care Quality Commission in a timely way.

Actions identified in quality assurance processes had not always been completed in a timely way.

The culture of the home had not always been open and transparent which meant staff had not felt empowered to raise concerns about their well being whilst at work