• Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Clara House

Front Street, Sacriston, Durham, County Durham, DH7 6AF (0191) 447 0266

Provided and run by:
Florence Ann Akena

All Inspections

24, 25 April 2013

During an inspection in response to concerns

We carried out this inspection in response to information sent to CQC in April 2013 which alleged minimum standards were not being met at Clara House in relation to nutrition, infection control and suitability and safety of the building.

Overall we saw clear evidence peoples' dietary needs had been assessed. We found detailed care plans were in place which showed the actions staff were to take to support their dietary needs. Everyone we spoke with complimented the food. Comments from people included 'I like the food here, (the provider) is a good cook. She knows what I like and 'You can see we are all well looked after.'

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection at the home. One person told us, 'The staff come in and keep my room tidy.' Another said, 'I've got no complaints about the standards at the home.'

We found people who used the service, staff and visitors were protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises and equipment. This was because the provider had taken steps to provide care in an environment that was adequately maintained.

28 February 2013

During a routine inspection

During our visit we found people's privacy, dignity and independence were respected. We spoke with several people who used the service. They said staff respected their choices, privacy and dignity. One person told us, 'I get up in my time, (staff) treat me with respect (they) always knock on my door.'

We found care and treatment at the home was planned and delivered in a way which ensured people's safety and welfare. One person told us, '(Staff name) is going out with me and (others). There's always plenty of activities here.'

We looked at the way medication was handled at the home. We found people were protected against the risks of unsafe use or management of medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place.

People who used the service, their representatives and staff were asked for their views about the care and treatment offered. We saw their responses were acknowledged and acted on. When we spoke to people they said, 'They tell us we could make a complaint but I'm always happy here.' and, 'We have lots of talks together.'

We found people's personal records and other records relevant to the management of the home were accurate and fit for purpose which helped to make sure they were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care.

17 August 2012

During an inspection in response to concerns

We received concerns that people were not provided with a choice of suitable and nutritious food and hydration. Outcome 5 Regulation 14.

And, there were not sufficient numbers of staff with the right knowledge, experience, qualifications to support people. Outcome13 Regulation 22.

People told us the meals were very good and they were always provided with a choice.

One person said "I love the meals here, they are always excellent".

Other comments included "We often go out for meals, the staff here are all very good cooks and we get an excellent choice each day".

"I have no concerns at all about the meals, I always enjoy them".

People told us they were well supported by the staff and the proprietor.

One person told us "The staff here are great. I have been here for nine years and never needed to complain about anything".

Another said "I go out with the staff every week to places like Durham, Newcastle, and the Metro Centre. There are always enough staff around all of the time".

1 February 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

During our visit we spoke with people who used the service.

We asked people about how the home supported their care and welfare needs, they said,

'I'm doing as well as can be expected ' it's a good home.'

'I'm well looked after.'

'It's okay here.'

Many of the people who lived there could not give us their views because of their dementia care needs.

20 September 2011

During a routine inspection

'We've the best home manager, she's very good and she's so good to me.'

'I come and go as I please, they don't try to stop me from doing anything which is what I like.'

'This room is where I live, three square meals a day, who could complain.'

'This is my room and I like it like this because I have everything I need and I can smoke here.'