Averlea Residential Home

Updated 8 May 2025

Date of Assessment: 20 May 2025 to 2 June 2025

The service is a residential care home providing support to up to 14 older people, some of whom may be living with dementia. The provider was previously in breach of regulations in relation to the premises, staffing and good governance. Some improvements were found at this assessment. However, we identified a breach of regulations relating to consent and a repeat breach of good governance.

The service was not operating in line with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. We identified a restrictive practice which had been implemented to keep people safe. However, there had been no Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications made in respect of the restriction.

Some improvements had been made to the way medicines were managed and looked after since our previous inspection. However further improvements were needed.

Staff had training and competency checks to make sure they gave medicines safely.

Records to assess, monitor and record the care delivered were not always accurate or effective. Records to monitor people’s well-being over time were difficult to locate. Audits had been completed but these lacked detail. There were gaps in records to monitor the safety of the service. There was no schedule for deep cleaning, removing lint from dryers or checking water temperatures.

Improvements had been made to the safety of the premises. The registered manager told us they were planning to make further improvements to the environment including replacing carpets and redecorating.

There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Staff were caring and spent time encouraging and supporting people. There were no planned activity programmes and most people were largely unoccupied.

People were supported to access other healthcare agencies when needed. Professionals external to the service were positive about their joint working.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

This service has been in Special Measures since September 2023. The provider demonstrated improvements that have been made. The service is no longer rated as inadequate overall or in any of the key questions. Therefore, this service is no longer in Special Measures.

Updated 8 May 2025

Feedback from people and their friends and relatives was positive. They told us they considered Averlea to be a safe service with a ‘family feel.’ Staff were described as ‘friendly’ and ‘considerate.’ Comments included; “I’m treated well here, if you want anything they try to get it”, and “Staff have a good laugh with me…the girls [staff] are very adaptable.”

People were complimentary about the food provided. Comments included; “The food is extremely good, teatime consists of sandwiches, salads and crisps, lunch is always hot, with a choice of 2 meals”, “Food is plentiful and lovely, hot and tasty” and “It’s lovely here the food is amazing.”

While people expressed general satisfaction with their care, our inspection found elements of care did not meet the expected standards. We used an observational tool (SOFI) and saw people were largely unoccupied. There was no planned schedule of activities. Two people told us they would like to be involved in developing the garden, but this area was not accessible to people.