Archived: Byron House Care Home

Updated 5 December 2018

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This comprehensive inspection was carried out on 17 and 19 October and was unannounced, which meant the provider and staff did not know we were visiting. On day one of the inspection, the team consisted of an inspector and an expert-by-experience (EXE). An expert-by-experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. They had experience of supporting people living with dementia. On day two of the inspection one inspector visited the home.

Prior the inspection we requested and received back a completed Provider Information Return (PIR). We used information the provider sent us in the PIR. This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. Throughout the inspection we offered the registered manager and staff opportunities to share with us what they did well. We reviewed notifications and any other information we had received. A notification is information about important events which the service is required to send us by law.

When at the care home, we looked at four people’s care records and looked at four staff recruitment and training records. We observed medicine administration, checked records and storage of medicines. We observed two lunchtime meals. We spoke with 12 people and seven relatives. We spoke with two of the company directors, the registered manager, an operational manager, one registered nurse and a further seven staff.

Following the visit to the home we sought further feedback from staff and relatives. We also contacted health and social care professionals who had experience of working with the home.

Updated 5 December 2018

This inspection took place on 17 and 19 October 2018. It was an unannounced visit to the service.

Byron House is a care home with nursing. It is registered to support older people, some who are living with dementia. People had access to a range of communal seating areas. Accommodation was located over three levels. The home is registered to support a maximum of 28 people. At the time of our inspection 25 people lived at Byron House.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

We received lots of positive comments from people and their relatives about their experience of Byron House. People told the service was exceptionally well-led. Comments included, “[Name of registered manager] is the right person in the right job, she is excellent” and “[Name of registered manager] is a very good manager, she has always got time for you and finds answers and gets back to you.” Other comments included,” “[Name of registered manager] is lovely, she is straight on the ball” and “If there is a problem [Name of registered manager] will come up and see [Family member] immediately.”

The provider and registered manager had systems in place which promoted continuous improvement. The provider had introduced initiatives into the home to promote people’s well-being and ensured care was person centred. They had developed a scheme called ‘Chatterbox’, which was a daily question staff asked each person they had contact with. This promoted meaningful engagement with people and reduced social isolation.

People were protected from abuse and staff had knowledge on recognising potential abuse. Risks posed to people were minimised and staff had managed risks to reduce harm to people.

People were supported by staff who had got to know them well. We observed many kind and compassionate interactions between staff and people. People told us they were treated with dignity and respect. Comments from people included, “She is so very kind to me,” “The carers here are all very friendly” and “They look after me very well.” Other comments included, “The staff and carers are all very friendly, they are lovely ladies,” These positive comments were echoed by relatives. “They go beyond their remit which is nice, they really do care, it is not just a job for them,” “I have been away and I knew she was totally safe and that she was being cared for lovingly” and “I think the staff treat them well.”

People told us Byron House felt like a family home. Comments from people included, “We had visited four other homes but as soon as we walked through the door here we knew this was the one,” “I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else” and “I was looking for a home, that felt like home. I found it here.”

The provider ensured people were cared for by staff who had received a thorough induction and staff were provided with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. Staff told us they felt valued and liked working at the home. Staff told us “[Name of registered manager] puts her heart and soul into it, she takes her job personally.” They went onto say, “I feel supported, her door is always open. We all look after each other, we have a really good team here.”

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were supported and encouraged to participate in meaningful activities. The home had developed strong links with the community. Local school children, a mother and toddler group and local church representatives visited the home.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.