The Star Nursing Home

Updated 5 June 2025

Date of Assessment: 30 June to 5 August 2025. We carried out this assessment because of safeguarding concerns and complaints we received. The service is a residential service providing support to older people living with dementia, nursing needs, mental health conditions and physical disabilities.

We found 4 breaches in regulation in relation to safe care and treatment, staffing, person-centred care and governance. Medicines were administered but not always administered as prescribed. Care plans included references to individual needs. However, they lacked sufficient information for staff to support people with their complex needs. Care plans lacked information regarding people’s preferences and there was insufficient information in care plans regarding end-of-life care wishes. We found that people were not taking part in meaningful activities. The service did not have effective systems or processes in place to assess safe staffing levels. The provider did not have effective governance systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service. However, leadership acted promptly when concerns were identified.

The provider made the appropriate referrals to partners when people’s needs changed to help manage and monitor their safety. Staff knew when and how to report a safeguarding concern and felt confident in escalating concerns. There was evidence of concerns being shared quickly and appropriately and when concerns were discussed with the management team, they were responsive and took immediate steps to mitigate risks.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment. In instances where CQC have decided to take civil or criminal enforcement action against a provider, we will publish this information on our website after any representations and/ or appeals have been concluded.

Updated 5 June 2025

During the assessment, we received mixed feedback from people who used the service and their relatives. Some people and relatives told us people were not supported to take part in meaningful activities. One person told us, "I don’t do anything. I am in bed all the time, so I just watch the TV. I do get bored sometimes and the staff don’t have time to sit and talk with me.” One relative told us, “They don’t try and do anything with [family member]. The TV is put on and just left on the same channel.” We found people’s needs and preferences for activities had not always been met. Care and support plans did not focus on positive outcomes to improve people’s quality of life. There was limited evidence that staff supported people to identify aspirations for the future. Where wishes were identified they were not always personalized or meaningful to the individual. However, care planning was updated promptly following our feedback to strengthen outcomes and responsiveness.

Some people could not directly tell us about their experience. We used a structured observation tool to assess whether they received good care. This approach showed that whilst people were listened to, people’s interactions with staff were mostly task orientated. However, on our second visit to the service, we observed staff consistently interacting positively with people.

Most people we spoke with told us they felt safe, and they received good quality care from staff who treated them well. One relative told us, “They do seem to be good at caring for their residents.” One person told us, “I am really pleased with the care I get. They can’t do enough for me."