Beaconsfield Court

Updated 13 July 2023

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by 1 inspector, 1 assistant inspector and an Expert by Experience.

An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Beaconsfield Court is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Beaconsfield Court is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

Inspection activity started on 15 June 2023 and ended on 21 June 2023. We visited the service on 15 June 2023.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

During the inspection we spoke with 6 people who used the service and 10 relatives about their experience of the care provided. Not everyone who used the service communicated verbally or wished to speak, therefore they gave us permission to speak with their relatives on the telephone. We spoke with 9 members of staff including the registered manager and 8 support workers, including one senior support worker. We received feedback from one health and social care professional.

We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.

We reviewed a range of records. This included 3 people’s care records and multiple medicine records. We looked at 4 staff files in relation to recruitment and staff training. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including training information, policies and procedures and quality assurance documents were reviewed.

Updated 13 July 2023

About the service

Beaconsfield Court is a residential care home providing the regulated activity accommodation for people who require nursing or personal care to up to 32 older people, including people who may live with dementia or a dementia related condition. At the time of our inspection there were 29 people using the service in one adapted building.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People and relatives were complimentary about the care provided by staff. They trusted the staff who supported them. They said staff were kind, caring and supportive of people and their families. A relative told us, "The home is excellent. I’m confident the care is consistent. Personal care is fine", and "Staff are friendly, they always chat to [Name]. Always somebody coming and going. Plenty of activity."

There were sufficient staff to support people safely. A person commented, "Staff pop in frequently with a cup of tea. There are always people around. I engage with the staff really well", and "Attention from staff is prompt.”

Records provided guidance to ensure people received safe, person-centred care and support from all staff members. Risks were assessed and mitigated to keep people safe. Staff contacted health professionals when people’s health needs changed.

Staff received safeguarding training and were clear on how and when to raise their concerns. Where appropriate, actions were taken to keep people safe. Staff recruitment was carried out safely and effectively. Medicines were managed safely.

An infection control system was in place. However, not all areas of the home were clean and well-maintained and there were signs of wear and tear.

We have made a recommendation about continuing with the refurbishment programme ensuring the appropriate environmental design to meet all people’s needs.

People's diversity as unique individuals with their own needs was respected by staff. The staff team provided support discreetly and with compassion. They respected people’s privacy, and people were supported to maintain contact with relatives. A relative commented, “We can rest in peace knowing that our [relative] is well looked after.”

There was a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere at the service. Staff spoke very positively about working at the home and the people they cared for. Relatives and staff said communication was effective to ensure they were kept up-to-date about any changes in people’s care and support needs. A relative told us, "I can contact the home at any time. Carers take the calls and pass them on. They’ve got their finger on the pulse at the home. It’s like a family. Gives peace of mind and quality of life.”

There was a strong and effective governance system in place. People, relatives and staff were confident about approaching the registered manager if they needed to. They recognised that their views and feedback were valued and respected and used to support service development. Strong processes were in place to manage and respond to complaints and concerns.

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

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 23 March 2018).

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Recommendation

We have made a recommendation about continuing with the refurbishment of the environment and ensuring it is appropriately environmentally designed.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.