The Care Quality Commission
  • Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Excelsior

74-76 Mitchell Avenue, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1DS (01983) 856197

Provided and run by:
Mr & Mrs A Lawrence

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

13 May 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with three of the 11 people who were living at the home. They said they were 'happy' with their care and the staff were friendly and available when they needed them. Everybody said they enjoyed the meals which were provided and told us choices were available. Other people were unable to speak with us however we observed they were relaxed around staff. We also spoke with three relatives. All were very happy with the care their relative was receiving. One said they were 'very satisfied with everything' and had 'no worries about the care, staff or anything'. Relatives said when visiting the home they had never observed anything which caused them any concern. We spoke with two health professionals who visited the home. They said they were contacted appropriately and staff acted on their requests and guidance.

We observed staff were courteous and respectful of people's views. Choices were offered and where necessary informal consent was obtained. Staff knew what care and support people needed and they respected their wishes. We found medication was stored and administered safely.

There were sufficient staff available to meet people's needs. People received a varied diet with a choice provided at each meal. Staff were receiving training, support and supervision. The new manager was implementing a range of quality monitoring procedures and all necessary records were available and stored securely.

22 August 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We spoke with one person who lived at the home. They said staff were very friendly and were available when they needed them. They were happy with the meals that were provided and said that they enjoyed going out onto the patio area when the weather was good. We also spent some time in the home's communal areas observing the way people were cared for.

11 April 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Some people using the service were able to tell us about their experiences. However, other people were unable to talk to us due to their mental frailty. We spent some time in the home's communal lounge and dining room observing people and staff. Interactions were warm and friendly with staff clearly having a good knowledge about the people they were caring for.

Everyone we spoke with confirmed that their privacy and dignity were maintained at all times. People also said that they were able to make day to day decisions such as what time they got up and how and where they spent their time. Visitors also told us that they had no concerns about privacy and dignity and that people were treated with respect.

People said that they had no concerns about how their personal care needs were met. People said that if they were unwell then staff would contact a doctor for them. People said staff were available when they needed them and knew what care they required.

We were also told that staff were very pleasant and had the necessary time to meet their needs. People said staff knew how to care for them.

6 July 2011

During an inspection in response to concerns

We spoke with some of the people who live at Excelsior, it was not possible to speak to everyone due to the level of their cognitive impairment. We met other people in communal rooms.

Overall people were happy with the care and service they receive. They said that they had no concerns about their privacy or dignity and that staff knock on their doors before entering and are considerate of privacy when providing personal care. People said that staff did what they asked them to do. No one we spoke to had any concerns about the way care was provided to them.

People told us that they have choice about what time they get up, go to bed and if and when they have baths. People told us that if they said they did not want to get up this was respected and staff would return later or when they called them via the call bell system. People said that there used to be a variety of activities provided at the home including crafts which they had enjoyed however these were no longer occurring.

People were less clear about their care plans and risk assessments but were happy with the way their health and personal care needs were met. People said that they are able to see their doctor when they need to and that staff will arrange this.

People told us they were happy with their personal accommodation (bedrooms) and they had been able to bring in items from home to personalise their rooms. People said that they had used the outdoor decking area on warm days and that they enjoyed the views from the sun lounge and some bedrooms.

People we spoke with said that staff were nice and helpful. People stated that staff responded to call bells although at some times there could be a delay in bells being answered. One person was concerned that only one awake staff member was on duty at night although they did confirm that the sleepin staff were woken when necessary. People said staff knew how to look after them and they felt staff did a good job of looking after them.

People said that they had not completed any formal questionnaires about the service however they said they saw the providers frequently and would feel able to raise any concerns with them. People also said that the chef regularly asks them about their meals and if there are any alternatives or suggestions.