The Care Quality Commission

Archived: The Firs Residential Home

33 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, EX9 6AE (01395) 443394

Provided and run by:
Buckland Care Limited

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

All Inspections

23 November 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

At our inspection in July 2012 we judged that some improvements were needed in relation to how some people's health and welfare needs were being met. This was because some risks were not being adequately addressed. In addition, there were some inequalities in the way that people with different needs had their needs for social interaction met.

During this inspection we looked at the care of people who had were at risk of choking and of developing pressure damage. We looked at their care records and spoke with staff about how they were managing these risks. The people we case tracked could not speak with us directly about their care so we asked their relatives for feedback.

We found that risks to people's health and welfare were being managed. Staff recognised risks, made referrals for advice to other agencies and followed the advice given by health care professionals and specialists. Specialist equipment had been purchased and was in use. Staff were familiar with people's care needs and how to manage these.

We also looked at the arrangements in place for helping people to have their social needs met. We found that additional arrangements had been put in place to help meet the needs of those people who could not take part in group activities. Arrangements included more "one to one time" for frailer people.

11 July 2012

During a routine inspection

We, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), visited this home on one day from 0930 until 1630. We spoke with seven people who could respond to our questions. We observed the support given to, and staff interaction with, other people living at the home.

People told us they were happy living in this home. They said they felt involved in how they spent their days and that staff respected their privacy and dignity. We saw that people were offered choices and that staff treated them respectfully.

We found that people had their health and welfare needs met and they told us that staff were quick to respond to their healthcare needs. A healthy lifestyle was promoted because people saw the doctor and nurse when needed, and were attended to by the chiropodist, dentist and opticians regularly. Some risks were not being adequately managed through assessments and care planning. This related to one person who was at risk due to their declining health.

People had opportunities to have a social life and they enjoyed the opportunities available. Not everyone could join in with these activities because of their abilities, particularly those people with dementia. This meant that there were inequalities in how some people were able to engage socially.

People felt safe at this home and were cared for by staff who were described as "lovely". Staff were employed at the home after they had undergone a through recruitment processes. Staff received supervision and training that enabled them to meet people's needs. People were safeguarded from abuse by staff who knew what this meant and understood their role in relation to this.

Quality and risk monitoring systems were in place which included obtaining feedback from people living at the home and from their relatives.