We carried out an inspection of Abbeyfield Care Home on 6 and 7 September 2017, the first day was unannounced.Abbeyfield Care Home is a purpose built care home located in a residential area on the outskirts of Clitheroe. The service is owned and operated by Abbeyfield Lancashire Extra Care Society Limited. There is a committee which oversees the running of the service and comprises of trustees and volunteers. The service is affiliated to the National Abbeyfield Society and as such is a registered charity.
The service is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 40 older people including people living with a dementia. Nursing care was not provided. The accommodation is provided over two floors. A passenger lift is available for access between the floors. The accommodation on the ground floor is divided into two separate areas. There are two lounges, two conservatories, a lounge/dining room with a kitchenette and a separate dining room. There is also lounge area and hairdressing room on the first floor. There are bedrooms located on both floors, all are single and have en-suite facilities. There are enclosed garden/patio areas to the front and rear of the premises, garden furniture is provided. There are several car parking spaces to the side of the building. When we visited there were 36 people accommodated at the service.
The service was managed by a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission 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.
At our last inspection on 13, 14 and 18 July 2016 the overall rating of the service was Requires Improvement. We found the provider was in breach of three regulations of the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. The breaches related to the provider not having proper oversight of Abbeyfield Care Home, including monitoring and checking systems. A lack of appropriate staff recruitment checks and the unsafe management of medicines. We asked the provider to make improvements and received an action plan indicating how and when they would meet the relevant legal requirements. At this inspection we found sufficient improvements had been made on these matters.
During this inspection we found there were no breaches of the regulations of the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. We found progress to continue making improvements at the service was ongoing and planned for. However we have made a recommendation about processes for assessing and managing risks to individuals.
There was an open and friendly atmosphere at the service. We found there were management and leadership arrangements in place to support the day to day running of the service.
People made positive comments about the caring attitude of staff. During the inspection we observed staff interacting with people in a kind, pleasant and friendly manner and being respectful of people's choices and opinions.
People told us they felt safe at the service. Staff were aware of the signs and indicators of abuse and they knew what to do if they had any concerns about people’s wellbeing and safety.
Arrangements were in place to ensure staff were properly checked before working at the service. There were enough staff available to provide care and support. There were systems in place to ensure all staff received regular training and supervision.
Processes were in place to assess and plan for people’s needs before they moved into the service. Everyone had a care plan which included information on their needs, likes, dislikes and preferences.
People were supported with their healthcare needs and received appropriate medical attention. Changes in people’s health and well-being were monitored and responded to.
The service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. During the inspection we observed staff involving people in routine decisions and consulting with them on their individual needs and preferences.
People were happy with the variety and quality of the meals provided. We found various choices were available. Support was provided with specific diets. Drinks were readily accessible and regularly offered.
There were opportunities for people to engage in a range of group and individual activities.
People were keeping in contact with families and friends. We found visiting arrangements were flexible.
People spoken with had an awareness of the service’s complaints procedure and processes. They said they would be confident in raising concerns.
People were happy with the accommodation at the service. We found some areas had been upgraded and redecorated to provide for people’s comfort and wellbeing and further improvements had been planned for.
Arrangements were in place to promote the safety of the premises, this included maintenance, servicing and checking systems. We found the service to be clean in the areas we looked at and there were no unpleasant odours.
Arrangements were in place to encourage people to express their views and be consulted about Abbeyfield Care Home, they had opportunities to give feedback on their experience of the service. Processes were in place to check and monitor systems and practices.