We carried out a review of the data available to us about Archers Park on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Archers Park, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
¿ The provider had implemented effective contingency plans to ensure there were sufficient staff available to meet people’s needs, even when some staff had to self-isolate.
¿ Staff had acted on specialist infection prevention and control advice regarding how and where to store PPE.
¿ Staff and people were tested regularly for COVID-19.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
We found the following examples of good practice:
• Systems were in place to prevent people, staff and visitors from catching and spreading infections. All visitors had to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), complete a health declaration form and had their temperature checked prior to entering the home. Additional cleaning of all areas and frequent touch surfaces was being carried out.
• The provider was following national guidance for anyone moving into the home. Staff worked closely with healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate and safe admissions procedures were being followed.
• Staff supported people’s social and emotional wellbeing. Family members had been able to visit their relatives, observing social distancing principles. People were supported to keep in touch with their family members via video or telephone calls. The provider and staff kept family members up to date about the latest guidance and their relative’s health via regular telephone calls, letters and social media.
• Staff wellbeing was a priority and the provider and registered manager ensured staff received appropriate guidance and support. Staff had undertaken additional training in infection prevention and control. This included putting on and taking off PPE, hand hygiene and other Covid-19 related training.
• Infection control audits were regularly carried out. The registered manager spoke positively about the hard work and dedication staff had shown, which had helped to minimise the impact of the pandemic on people’s health and wellbeing.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
Archers Park provides accommodation for up to 40 people with residential care needs in a purpose-built building. 39 people were using the service at the time of the inspection. Some of the people were living with dementia.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People told us the service was safe. The provider carried out appropriate security and identification checks when they employed new staff. There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of people. Staff were suitably skilled and experienced and fully supported in their role.
Appropriate safeguarding procedures were in place and staff had been trained in how to protect people from abuse. Risks were well managed and the provider learned from accidents and incidents. Systems were in place for the safe storage, administration and recording of medicines.
The premises were clean and appropriate health and safety checks had been carried out. The home was purpose built and incorporated environmental aspects that were dementia friendly.
Regular assessments and reviews took place to ensure people’s needs were being met. People were supported with their healthcare needs and had access to healthcare professionals when required.
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 and family members told us staff were kind, considerate and treated them with respect. People were given information in a way they could understand. Staff included people in the care planning process and their preferences and choices were clearly documented in their care records.
Staff protected people from social isolation. People were provided with the opportunity to take part in activities that were relevant and important to them. There were good links with the local community.
People and family members were aware of how to make a complaint. Those who had raised a concern or complaint in the past told us they were satisfied with how it had been dealt with.
There was a person-centred culture at the service. The registered manager involved people in the running of the service and people were encouraged to provide feedback.
There was a strong emphasis on continuous improvement. The provider monitored the quality of the service to make sure they delivered a high standard of care.
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 good (published 25 May 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
As a result we undertook a focused inspection to look into those concerns. This report only covers our findings in relation to those topics. You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the 'all reports' link for (location's name) on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
This inspection took place on 2 October 2018 and was unannounced. This meant the provider did not know we would be visiting.
Archers Park is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Archers Park provides care for up to 40 people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection 38 people were living at the home.
The manager had started their application to become the registered manager at Archers Park. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
We found the provider had introduced systems to ensure appropriately trained and experienced staff were responsible for completing pre-admission assessments to confirm the service could meet people’s needs. Staff had completed additional training around the reporting and recording of incidents and the support of people experiencing behavioural disturbance or distress.
The provider had systems in place to ensure people had a safe environment. Health and safety checks including fire safety were regularly completed. A business continuity plan was in place to ensure people would continue to receive care following an emergency.
Safeguarding concerns were fully investigated. The provider collated and analysed safeguarding concerns and accidents and incidents to identify any patterns or trends.
Medicines records we viewed were complete and up to date. This included records for the receipt, return and administration of medicines. People were supported to maintain good health and access to healthcare professionals.
The provider continued to have a robust recruitment process in place. Sufficient staff were available to meet the needs of people. Staff had completed a range of training and received regular supervisions and appraisals.
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.
The provider understood the importance of monitoring the quality of the service and reviewing systems to identify any lessons learnt. People using the service, their relatives and staff were regularly consulted to capture their views about the service.
This was the first inspection of the home since the current provider was registered to run the service April 2016. The provider Indigo Care Services is part of the Orchard group of homes.
Archers Park provides care for up to 40 older people, most of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 38 people using the service.
The home had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People told us they received good care from kind and considerate care workers. They also said they felt safe living at the home. Relatives and care workers also felt the home was safe.
Care workers knew how to report safeguarding and whistle blowing concerns. Previous safeguarding concerns had been dealt with appropriately.
People had been assessed to identify whether they could be at risk of harm. Measures were identified in the relevant care plans to reduce potential risks and help keep people safe.
There were enough care workers on duty to provide support and assistance to people. People and care workers also said staffing levels were sufficient.
Effective recruitment procedures and checks were in place to help ensure only suitable were employed at the home.
Records confirmed medicines were managed safely. Care workers completed relevant training and had been assessed as competent to administer medicines. People confirmed they received their medicines when they were due.
Accidents and incidents were logged, investigated and monitored to check appropriate action had been taken.
Health and safety checks were completed regularly. The provider had developed procedures to ensure people continued to receive the care they needed in an emergency situation.
People told us they received their care from an experienced and competent staff team. One person said, “Staff seem to know what they are doing and give me good care.” Another person told us, “The staff seem to be competent, well trained.”
Care workers received the support and training they needed. Training, supervisions and appraisals were up to date when we inspected the home.
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. DoLS authorisations were in place for relevant people and care workers supported people to make as many of their own decisions as possible.
People gave us positive feedback about the meals provided at the home. We saw care workers supported people with eating and drinking in line with their assessed needs. Where required people had been referred to external health professionals, such as dietitians and speech and language therapists for addition specialist support.
The provider had adapted the environment to make it more suitable to the needs of people living with dementia.
People’s needs had been assessed and the information used to develop personalised care plans. Care plans were reviewed regularly. Care records contained a life history for each person which provided information to help care workers gain a better understanding of each person’s needs.
Activities were provided for people to participate in if they chose to. These included pampering sessions, arts and crafts, singing and gardening.
People had opportunities to share their views through attending residents’ meetings or completing questionnaires.
People said they did not have any concerns about their care but knew how to complain if needed. One complaint made in the past 12 months had been investigated and resolved in line with the provider’s complaint policy.
People, relatives and care workers said the registered manager was approachable. Care workers described the home as having a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The provider had a range of internal and external quality assurance audits to monitor the quality of people’s care. An action plan had been developed which identified areas for improvement. At the time of our inspection all actions had been signed off as complete.