Archived: Croftfield Residential Care Home

This unannounced inspection took place on 15th & 21st July 2015. During our previous inspection visit on 2nd August 2013 we found that the service was in breach of three regulations of the health and Social Care Act. This was because there were not sufficient staff to assist people, staff training and support was not up to date and people were not protected from the risk of infection.

Croftfield Residential Home (Croftfield) provides care to older people, some of whom may be living with dementia. The home is a converted Victorian building situated in a rural area in north Cumbria. There are 21 bedrooms in the home and there are three separate lounge areas and a conservatory. Due to the nature of the building there is no lift. People with mobility problems can access the first floor of the home via a stair lift.

There is a registered manager in post. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

We found that the service was safe and every member of staff was aware of their role and responsibility to keep people safe at all times. The provider had policies and procedures in place to protect people from harm or the threat of abuse. Staff interactions observed during the visit evidenced people were comfortable and relaxed in their surroundings. Staff had completed training in safeguarding vulnerable adults.

We found that medicines were administered correctly and in line with peoples’ prescriptions. Records of medicines administration were correct and up to date.

There were policies and procedures in place that ensured only suitable people were employed to care and support older people. The registered manager worked hard to ensure there was sufficient staff employed to meet the assessed needs of the people who lived in Croftfield.

Staff received training appropriate to their role within the service. Staff were supported by one to one supervisions and annual appraisals.

People were thoroughly assessed prior to their admittance to the home. Each person had an up to date care and support plan that gave staff the information required to provide a high level of care.

Nutritional assessments were in place and people were encouraged to eat a healthy diet. Special dietary needs were catered for.

Health care needs were met by visiting doctors and district nurses. Mental health professionals were accessed when required.

We observed warm caring interactions between people and the staff who cared for and supported them.

There was a complaints procedure in place and people knew how to make their concerns known. People were confident that any concerns or complaints raised would be dealt with in the most appropriate way.

Management arrangements ensured the home was well-run. There was an open culture in the home with the staff team supporting each other as well as people living in Croftfield.

There was an appropriate and detailed internal audit system in place to monitor the provision of care provided.