During an assessment under our new approach
Date of assessment 25 July to 4 September 2026. We visited Merrymeet Residential Care Home on 31 July and 12 August 2026 and contacted professionals for feedback after visiting the home. The home provides accommodation and support for up to 19 older and younger people living with complex needs, including dementia and mental health conditions. At the time of our assessment there were 17 people living at the home, although not everyone living at Merrymeet Residential Care Home received a regulated activity.
We undertook this comprehensive inspection due to the age of the rating. Merrymeet Residential Care Home was last inspected in October 2019 and rated good. At this inspection the rating has changed to requires improvement. The provider took action to mitigate some of the risks posed to peoples’ health, safety and well-being but more needed to be done.
We looked at all quality statements. There were 2 registered managers in post, one being the main partner.
Care plans and risk assessments were not sufficiently detailed to guide and support staff. The provider’s approach to risk was poor; key information regarding people’s specific health issues was not always included within initial care plans and therefore, not all risks posed to people had been identified or mitigated against.
People’s prescribed medicines were not always stored, managed and administered appropriately, including controlled drugs. Staff continued to work with relevant agencies and supported people in meeting their healthcare needs.
Staff treated people, relatives and professionals with care, dignity and respect. Although a programme of staff training and support was in place, staff we spoke with considered additional training to better meet people’s complex needs would be beneficial, but this had not been explored or arranged. The provider was not undertaking regular supervision sessions with staff, although staff did feel supported by the management team.
Servicing and checks of the home and equipment had been completed. Works had been completed to enhance the standard of accommodation provided and this was on-going. There were plans to develop the outside area of the home.
We identified 2 breaches in regulations, relating to safe care and treatment and good governance. Improved oversight of medication processes and practices was required to ensure people remained safe. Aspects of governance and oversight of the service required strengthening, including a more robust approach to managing risk and regular audits of all aspects of the service. Processes to analyse and learn lessons needed to be embedded to ensure the service was compliant with legal regulations.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.