Archived: Aspen Belmont Care Home

Is the service safe?

Is the service effective?

Is the service caring?

Is the service responsive?

Is the service well-led?

Below is a summary of what we found. The detailed evidence supporting our summary can be read in our full report.

Is the service safe?

We found the provider to be safe.

CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. The home had not submitted an application to their Supervisory Body but was aware of the circumstances of when this should occur. This meant people who used the service could be confident they would only be deprived of their liberty, when this had been authorised by the Court of Protection, or by a Supervisory Body under the DoLS.

We saw evidence that the person had a medical condition which placed them at risk of harm if they became ill. The service assessed the level of risk and put in clear instructions for staff to follow to minimise the risk. This meant the service identified risks and showed how they would be managed.

We saw assessments were undertaken to identify any hazards and actions were put in place to manage or to reduce them. For example, it was identified mixer valves were required for all showers and basins. Whilst this was being actioned staff were instructed to check shower temperatures before they were used. This meant appropriate risk assessments were undertaken to ensure people's welfare and safety.

A relative told us what they would do if they felt care provided was not safe. They commented, 'I would talk with my husband and then contact the manager to let them know my concerns. If I felt the manager was not taking it seriously I would then contact social services.' This showed people who used the service were aware of how to raise concerns of abuse.

Is the service effective?

We found the provider to be effective.

We found that a person observed a certain religion however; there were some practices within the religion they did not participate in. Those practices were clearly recorded in their care plan. This ensured staff that provided care and support to the person were aware of their religious practices.

We saw there were arrangements in place to ensure staff were appropriately supported. Staff training records showed they had received adequate training which was up to date and relevant to their roles.

Is it caring?

We found the provider to be caring.

We observed staff interaction with a person who used the service and saw there was genuine affection. This caused the person to be calm and compliant when a member staff gave them various instructions, such as putting on their shoes. This demonstrated people were supported by caring staff.

Is it responsive?

We found the provider to be responsive.

The service used pictorial images to show a person's likes and dislikes such as music and food. Instructions were given to staff on how to communicate with the individual in a language they understood. For example, the person spoke two other languages aside from English. We saw the translations of short sentences such as 'food' and 'let's go' in the dialects the person understood. This meant the service ensured staff members who provided care and support were able to meet people's communication needs.

Is it well-led?

We found the service to be well-led.

People's views were sought and action taken in response to feedback. We saw accident, incident and complaints logs were available to capture relevant information. All policies and procedures had been updated and reflected recent changes in legislation. We saw evidence of various checks undertaken to ensure people's welfare and safety were protected. For example, refrigerator checks to ensure foods were not out of date. These records were up to date and showed the signature of the staff undertaking the task. Daily service user reports were written to ensure the person was responsive to the care delivered and analyse any patterns of behaviours. This meant the service had operations of systems to regularly assess and monitor the quality of services provided.