We carried out a review of the data available to us about Cedardale Residential Home on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Cedardale Residential Home, you can give feedback on this service.
Cedardale is a care home providing personal care and accommodation for up to 29 people, on the day of inspection there was 25 people living at the service. The service supports older people and people living with dementia.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The administering of medicines had not always been in line with people’s care and support plans. Audits for medicines had not been completed recently which would have highlighted recording and reporting errors identified on inspection. After inspection the home manager immediately took action to rectify the errors found and make improvements.
People and their relatives told us they felt safe living at the service. Risk assessments were in place for people and guidance for staff to follow. The service was working within the current infection control guidance.
People were supported by staff who were adequately trained to meet their needs. The service assessed people’s needs before admitting them into the service.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People and their relatives told us the support they received was caring , kind and compassionate. Staff encouraged people to be as independent as possible. One relative told us, “There is always laughter when you visit”.
People were receiving person-centred care and their communication needs were met. The registered manager supported a positive and person-centred approach to care.
The home manager worked well with other agencies to ensure joined up care was provided for people. Staff and relatives spoke positively about the management team.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 20 December 2019)
Why we inspected
We undertook this inspection as part of a random selection of services rated Good and Outstanding to test the reliability of our new monitoring approach. We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively
We have found evidence that the provider needs to make improvements. Please see the safe section of this full report.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Cedardale Residential Home on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
Cedardale Residential Home provides care and accommodation for up to 29 people some who have physical needs and some people who are living with dementia. On the day of our inspection 27 people were receiving care and support at Cedardale Residential Home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
During the inspection we were made aware of a specific incident. Following which a person using the service sustained a serious injury. This incident is subject to an investigation by the Safeguarding authority. As a result, this inspection did not examine the circumstances of the incident.
The information CQC received about the incident indicated concerns about the management of ensuring the safety of people that are being cared for in their room. This inspection examined those risks and were satisfied that the provider had taken appropriate actions to reduce any further risks to people
People and relatives were very complimentary about the caring nature of the staff and management team at the service. Our observations confirmed this. There were sufficient staff at the service to support people with the needs. Staff were aware of the risks associated with people’s care and ensured that people were provided the most appropriate care.
People received their medicines when needed. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Appropriate training was provided to staff in relation to their role and were encouraged to progress. Staff were valued and had opportunities to win employee of the month to celebrate their good work.
People were supported and encouraged to remain as independent as possible and were involved in decisions around their care. There were times where people felt that staff went above and beyond what was expected of them and were appreciative of this.
The management were looking to improve activities however people did enjoy the ones that took place. People who were cared for in their rooms had one to one activities provided and were protected from the risk of social isolation. Care plans were planned around people’s health care needs.
There was a robust system in place to assess the quality of care provided.
People and relatives knew how to complain and were confident that complaints would be listened to and addressed. People, relatives and staff thought the leadership of the service was effective. The management team were open in relation to feedback and made improvements soon after the inspection in relation to the set up of the lounge.
Rating at last inspection
At the last inspection the service was rated Good (the report was published on the 25 May 2017).
Why we inspected
This inspection was part of our scheduled plan of visiting services to check the safety and quality of care people received.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner
At our previous inspection on 15 July 2015, we found a breach of a regulation of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. A breach of Regulation 19, the provider had failed to ensure recruitment information was available for each person employed. At this inspection we found that improvements had been made to meet the relevant requirement.
We required the provider to make improvements in relation to the safe recruitment of staff. We found that improvements had been made and the provider was now meeting the regulations. However we have made a recommendation about this, following this inspection.
Cedardale Residential Home is a privately owned care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 29 older people, some of whom are living with dementia, mental and physical health needs and mobility difficulties. There were 28 people living in the service when we inspected. Cedardale is a large detached property with accommodation on two floors in the main building and a spacious single storey extension. A stair lift provided access to the first floor. There is a garden to the rear of the home and off road parking at the front.
At the time of our inspection the service was undergoing refurbishment, new décor and carpets were planned for throughout.
There was a registered manager in place who was also one of the providers’ of the service. 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. The registered manager was supported by a general manager, who managed the day to day running of the service.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care services. At the time of the inspection, applications had been made to deprive people of their liberty. The registered manager and the management team understood their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The day to day manager had arranged for staff to receive further training to develop their knowledge. Mental capacity assessments and decisions made in people’s best interest were recorded. People were actively encouraged and supported to make decisions relating to their lives.
People using the service felt safe with the staff that supported them. Staff and the management team had received training about protecting people from abuse, and they knew what action to take if they suspected abuse. Risks to people’s safety had been assessed and measures put into place to manage any hazards identified. The premises and equipment were maintained and checked to help ensure people’s safety.
Recruitment practices were safe and checks were carried out to make sure staff were suitable to work with people who needed care and support. However, gaps in potential staffs employment history had not always been explored. We have made a recommendation about this. There were enough staff on duty with the right skills to give people the support they required. Staff were supported in their role by the registered manager and the management team.
Staff had a full understanding of people’s care and support needs and had the skills and knowledge to meet them. Staff were supported in their role and kept informed about any changes within the service by the management team. People were treated with dignity and respect by staff who also maintained people’s privacy. People were supported to develop and maintain relationships with people that mattered to them.
People’s needs had been assessed to identify the care and support they required. Care and support was planned with people and their relatives and regularly reviewed to ensure people continued to have the support they needed. People were encouraged and supported to maintain as much independence as possible. People were supported to participate in a range of activities within the service and in the local community.
People had access to the food that they enjoyed and were able to access drinks with the support of staff if required. People’s nutrition and hydration needs had been assessed and recorded. Staff met people’s specific dietary needs and received guidance from health care professionals where required.
People received their medicines safely and when they needed them. Policies and procedures were in place for the safe administration of medicines and senior staff had been trained to administer medicines safely. People were supported to remain as healthy as possible with the support of healthcare professionals.
Processes were in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service being provided to people. People were encouraged to raise any concerns or complaints they had which were acted on.
We undertook this focused inspection on 15 July 2015 following concerns raised by a number of sources. The inspection was unannounced. The concerns raised were in relation to people being restricted in their beds by chairs and tables, low staffing levels and a shortage of medicines for people.
At our previous comprehensive inspection which was carried out on 2 February 2015, we identified no breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. You can read the report by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for ‘MGL Healthcare Limited - Cedardale Residential Home’ on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
This report only covers what we focussed on in relation to the concerns.
Cedardale Residential Home is a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to twenty nine older people who are living with dementia, mental and physical health needs and mobility difficulties. There were 26 people living at the service when we inspected. The service is located in Maidstone, approximately half a mile from the town centre.
Cedardale is a large detached property with accommodation on two floors in the main building and a spacious single storey extension. A stair lift provided access to the first floor. There is a garden to the rear of the home and off road parking at the front.
There was a registered manager at the home. 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.
New staff recently employed at the home were not always recruited using the procedures designed to protect people. Records relating to recruitment kept at the service did not contain the information required under schedule 3 of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and records for some staff were not available in the service at the time of inspection.
Medicines were managed, stored, disposed of and administered safely. People received their medicines when they needed them and as prescribed. However, staff had not consistently followed safe practice around administering and recording medicines given to people. We have made a recommendation about this.
Safeguarding procedures were in place to keep people safe from harm. Staff had been trained in how to protect people from abuse, and discussions with them confirmed that they knew the action to take in the event of any suspicion of abuse. Staff understood the whistle blowing policy and how to use it. They were confident they could raise any concerns with the management team or outside agencies if this was needed.
Potential risks to people in their everyday lives had been identified, and had been assessed in relation to the impact the risk had on people. The premises and equipment were adequately maintained with a range of security checks in place.
We found a breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 in relation to the suitability of the staff employed at the service. You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of this report.
This inspection took place on 2 February 2015 and was unannounced.
Cedardale Residential Home is a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to twenty nine older people who were living with dementia. People had a variety of complex needs including dementia, mental and physical health needs and mobility difficulties.
The service is located in Maidstone, approximately half a mile from the town centre. Cedardale is a large detached property with accommodation on two floors in the main building and in a single storey extension. A stair lift provided access to the first floor.
There was a registered manager at the service. 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.
The previous inspection was carried out in May 2013 when we found the service met the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010.
Safe recruitment procedures ensured staff were suitable to work with people although not all pre-employment checks are recorded. The fire safety risk assessment for the premises was not carried out by an appropriately qualified person. We have made recommendations related to these aspects of the service.
People made complimentary comments about the service they received. People told us they felt safe and well looked after. Our own observations and the records confirmed this. Relatives were satisfied with the service.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. Whilst no-one living at the home was currently subject to a DoLS, the manager understood when an application should be made and how to submit one and was aware of the Supreme Court Judgement which widened and clarified the definition of a deprivation of liberty.
We found the home was meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Where people lacked the mental capacity to make decisions the home was guided by the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to ensure any decisions were made in the person’s best interests. Staff were trained in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and showed they understood and promoted people’s rights through asking for people’s consent before they carried out care tasks.
People were protected from abuse. Staff had training in safeguarding adults and knew how to report abuse. Staff were able to support and care for people whose behaviour could be challenging due to their dementia. This reduced the risk of harm to themselves or others and provided effective care. Staff had the skills they needed to communicate effectively with people who were living with dementia.
There were enough staff employed in the home to provide the care and support people needed. Staff received the essential training and updates required to enable them to carry out their roles. Staff told us they received regular supervision. Appraisals were incorporated into supervision sessions to monitor the performance or staff and identify any training needs.
People had individualised care plans which were updated as people’s needs changed. Day to day information about people’s needs was passed on during handovers between shifts so that staff had all the information they needed about how to care for people.
People’s weights were monitored to make sure they were getting the right amount to eat and drink to protect them from the risk of malnutrition and dehydration. People told us they enjoyed the meals provided. Staff made sure that people’s dietary needs were catered for. People received the medicines they needed when they needed them.
People were supported to manage their health care needs. Advice from health professionals such as GPs and District nurses was followed to make sure people’s health was promoted. Prompt action was taken when people were showing signs of illness.
Staff took time to initiate conversations with people other than when they were providing the support people needed. Staff were kind, caring and patient in their approach and had a good rapport with people. People knew who to talk to if they had a complaint. Complaints were passed on to the registered manager and recorded to make sure prompt action was taken and lessons were learned which led to improvement in the service.
Each person had an individual activity programme to ensure they were provided with meaningful activities to promote their wellbeing. People were supported to maintain their relationships with people who mattered to them. Visitors were welcomed at the service at any reasonable time and people were able to spend time with family or friends in their own rooms and other areas.
The attitudes, values and behaviours of staff and the management enabled and encouraged open communication with people and their relatives. We received positive feedback from people and their relatives about the service. Whilst there were no formal processes for gaining people’s views, the management had day to day contact with people and their relatives. Relatives told us they could talk with the management at any time.
Quality assurance systems were effective in recognising shortfalls in the service and ensuring on going improvement. Records relating to people’s care and the management of the service were well organised and kept up to date.
We recommend that the provider seeks advice from a suitably qualified person to ensure any risks of fire are identified and minimised.
We recommend that the provider seeks and follows guidance on how to ensure that all pre-employment checks are recorded.
We spoke with two relatives who was visiting the home. They told us they were pleased with the way their family members were cared for. They said, 'I am really pleased with it here. The staff are super'. 'I like the friendliness, you always feel welcome'.
We spoke with a member of the community nursing team who was visiting the home. They told us they enjoyed visiting this home because, 'People are very well looked after here, the staff really care'.
During this inspection we found that people or their representatives were asked for their consent before any care and treatment was given. People were provided with appropriate care and support that met their needs and promoted their wellbeing.
People received the medication they needed at the time they needed it.
Robust recruitment procedures ensured that people were protected through the appointment of appropriate staff.
People knew who to talk to if they had any concerns about the service and were confident they would be dealt with.
People told us they were looked after well. They said. 'They are very good here.' 'They do look after you; I don't have to do anything.' 'The food is good.' The three people we spoke with told us they felt safe in the home. They told us the home was always nice and clean.