Ridge House Residential Care Home

Updated 10 March 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 17 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 10 March 2021

About the service

Ridge House Residential Home is a residential care home providing personal care to 15 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The care home accommodates 15 people in one adapted building.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People told us they were very well cared for by staff who were passionate about providing the best possible care. People and their families described how lives had been enriched since moving to the home. Comments included, “They are just such kind, caring people and [person] is so much happier now than they were at home by themselves every day”. People told us staff treated them with respect and dignity. A person said, “They don’t just walk in and out of the room. They knock, and they check I’m happy before they leave.”

Staff were responsive to people’s changing needs. Staff were observant and worked with other professionals to overcome problems and make sure people received the best possible care. Staff understood each person’s individual communication needs.

People’s social needs were met following discussion and agreement with people. An activities calendar was displayed in the lounge. A health professional told us, “I have seen activities taking place where residents willingly get involved and enjoy themselves, which of course is such a joy to see”. If people did not want to join in group activities staff spend time with them individually. People were supported and encouraged to go out regularly, and to participate in the local community.

People living in the home, their relatives, staff and professionals were unanimous in their praise for the management of the home. A member of staff said, “[Registered manager] has so much patience. She is wonderful. She always helps out with everything. She is dedicated”. The home had been recognised for the high standard of care they provided. The home was rated one of the top 20 care homes in the South West by a national care organisation in 2018 and 2019. There were detailed and thorough audits and regular checks on all aspects of the service, such as medicines, food, cleaning and care plans which ensured people received a safe and effective service. Comments included, “The managers run a tight organisation and actually check things get done correctly, not just leaving it to chance. There are regular checks”

People told us they felt safe. Comments included, “I have actually heard [the registered manager] discussing safety as their top priority with the carers on more than one occasion.” There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs safely. Staff were carefully recruited and the turnover of staff was very low. Care was taken to ensure all aspects of the service were entirely safe. Medicines were stored and administered safely. The home was clean, well maintained, and regular checks and servicing was carried out on all equipment. Risks to people’s health and safety were recognised, and systems were in place to reduce risks where possible.

The service was effective. Staff were well trained, received regular supervision and good support. People’s needs were carefully assessed before they moved into the service and a plan of their care needs was drawn up and agreed with them. Care plans provided very good detail setting out all aspects of each person’s needs, likes and dislikes. People told us they enjoyed the meals and were offered a good range of food and drinks to suit their dietary needs and preferences. Comments included, “Care is not just provided without thought; it’s based on the person’s own capacity and adjusted to suit what they personally need support with, so they retain the skills they have”.

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.

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 Outstanding. (Published 3 May 2017)

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.