Apple Blossom Court

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence. At our last assessment we rated this key question requires improvement. At this assessment the rating has changed to good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

Systems were in place to ensure people’s needs were fully assessed before moving into Apple Blossom Court. The risk assessments and care plans of people demonstrated this. People had the opportunity to visit the service to meet the staff and other people who used the service. This planned approach enabled the management team to observe and assess people to ensure their needs were compatible with people already living at the service. Staff understood the importance of developing relationships with people who were new to the service. One staff member told us, “We get a full handover from [registered manager’s name] and a full breakdown off past and present needs people have. I then work closely with them. I know to not jump in and take some time to build relationships get to know their likes and dislikes.”

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards. Risk assessments and care plans reflected professional guidance received about people’s care needs and we observed staff following this guidance when assisting people. Staff were knowledgeable about people’s eating and drinking needs and the risks associated with this. This included when people needed a modified diet or required a thickening agent to be added to drinks, because of a known choking risk.

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services. Family members told us they felt involved, and well informed about people’s care. A family member told us, “I have had input into recent health concerns for [Name]. [Registered manager’s name] will keep me updated and staff will answer any questions I have.” Referrals were made for people to other health and social care professionals when needed. Referrals were appropriate and made in a timely manner based on people’s needs. One professional commented, “[Staff] are good at raising any pressure care concerns. They always do a referral to district nurses if needed.”

The provider supported people to manage their health and wellbeing. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support. Staff supported people to access health appointments and other health services when needed. Family members told us healthier living was promoted and were confident any health concerns would be addressed and resolved. A family member commented, “I particularly like the way staff are encouraging [Name] to walk around the house unaided, have a daily outdoor walk and do their physio exercises. This is as well as providing healthy food in an effort for [Name] to lose weight, as I worry about the strain the extra pounds put on their hips and legs.”

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured outcomes were positive and consistent, and they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves. For example, systems were in place to record and monitor food and fluid intake for some people. Outcomes were developed and agreed with people and regularly reviewed. For example, we observed people being supported to develop new skills including accessing a local gym, cooking and learning a foreign language. Another person was actively supported to maintain personal relationships.

People consented to their care and treatment. For people who did not have the mental capacity to consent, or make specific complex decisions, the provider had assessed their capacity and made decisions in their best interests. Decisions were made in consultation with others and the leadership team had ensured they had obtained the correct legal authorisations for these decisions. A professional who worked with one person told us, “The care [Name] receives is very person centred.” After describing examples of this to us they added, “These are simple things which make a huge difference to how [Name] is feeling. The management team are constantly looking at the least restrictive options for [Name] and work closely to ensure [Name] feelings, wishes and values are at the centre of decision making.”