• Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Calderthwaite

The Banks, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1QP (019467) 29292

Provided and run by:
Mrs Mary Rose Watters

All Inspections

27 June 2014

During a routine inspection

We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask;

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service well led?

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

People in the service told us that they felt "safe and secure" living in the home. They told us that consent was sought and that no one bullied them. We checked that any new member of staff had been suitably vettted before they had access to vulnerable people. Staff were trained in adult protection.

Is the service effective?

We read some simple but effective care plans. We saw that because of the effective care people received their health and wellbeing had improved. There was evidence to show that the provider sought the support of other professionals to make sure people got the best care possible. One person told us:

"I did have a problem but I took the support and advice given to me and I am so much better."

Is the service caring?

The people who lived in the home talked about being cared for in an open and accepting way. They told us that the provider really did care about all of them. People spoke about the home as their family. Staff also felt that working in the home was like being "in a big family". We observed a lot of humour, sensitivity and compassion in this house.

People spoke about the way food was prepared and how people were encouraged to share meals. One person said:

"Just like in a family being given good food shows how much you are cared for."

Is the service responsive?

We met very assertive people in this service who were obviously used to asking for what they wanted and what they needed. People told us about their preference for going out to shop and to the hairdresser. People also spoke about attending church or collecting their own pension money. We saw evidence to show that these needs were responded to and people were taken out to allow them retain as much independence as possible and to remain part of the community.

Is the service well-led?

The provider was also the manager of this service. She and her husband lived in the property and spent their waking hours with the six people who lived in the home. The provider and her husband delivered care, prepared food and dealt with the needs of everyone in the home. The staff told us that they were well supported by the provider. People in the home talked about the provider in a very positive way.

The provider had a suitable quality assurance system in place and used an independent consultant to check on the operation of the home so that the delivery of care could be assessed by an objective person.

4 April 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke to everyone in the home and people were satisfied with the way they were cared for. One person said that they were "spoiled to bits" and another said "I am so much better cared for here...everything is just grand". We saw that people were given good personal and health care support. We also learned that people were supported and encouraged to go out and were still involved in local community activities.

Everyone we spoke to was happy with the food provided and several people told us they also went out for meals.

"We often go out and that is a nice treat".

The house was clean and hygienic on the day of our visit and some new systems were in place to prevent cross infection.

People in the house were happy with their rooms and the shared areas. One person told us:

"I have a lovely big room and my own bathroom ...and a view out over the Irish sea...what more do I need?"

Staff received suitable training and support and told us:

"We work closely with the provider and we learn together...I am very happy working here."

The provider had suitable systems in place to measure quality and one person told us:

"The quality of everything is very high...I am glad I moved in here as I can't fault things."

There had been no complaints or concerns received about the service and people in the home were able to tell us how they would complain if they were unhappy.

People in the home were very satisfied with the care and services provided.

18 July 2012

During a routine inspection

"I love living here...It is the best place I have ever been in and I have been all over...they are all very good to me...".

"I have a nice big room with a double bed. It is clean and I am well fed and well looked after. I like the staff and [the providers] are like my family...we all get on well together".

"This is my home now and I am quite comfortable, thank you".

"I like [the provider] but I really value her husband's opinion and the way he will take me to any appointments...".

12 August 2011

During a routine inspection

We spoke to all the people who live in Calderthwaite. They were eager to talk to us and air their views about the home.

"I am really happy here...I am treated so well and I get everything I want."

"The carers are lovely...[the provider] only takes on nice girls and they treat me very well. I think of the provider as Mary and she is a trusted friend who I respect and who respects me."

"One or two people in the home are a bit confused sometimes and I try not to get too involved and [the provider] tries to make sure that people don't bother me. I prefer to spend time on my own and this is respected."

"I didn't want to come into care but I think this is the best place I could have come to. I am quite satisfied."

"The food is good...you can help yourself to fruit any time and have snacks as well as meals. Plenty of choice at meal times."

"I am perfectly satisfied...no one interferes and I go out every day."