We carried out a review of the data available to us about Blackbrook House 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 Blackbrook House, you can give feedback on this service.
Blackbrook House is a residential care home providing personal care for up to 55 people aged 65 and over. At the time of the inspection, the service was supporting 45 people. Blackbrook House accommodates people in two separate wings. Munnings wing specialises in providing care to people living with dementia.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Risk assessments were not always effective in ensuring people were kept safe and some improvement was required in the management of medicines. People and their relatives were complimentary about the care provided at Blackbrook House and there were enough competent staff to support people safely according to their needs and preferences. The environment was clean and comfortable. People received care from staff who understood how to recognise and report issues of concern
People's needs were assessed before they moved into the service, so they could be supported effectively. Staff received training, support and supervision to carry out their roles and responsibilities. People enjoyed a varied and nutritious diet. Staff worked well with external professionals to promote people’s health and wellbeing and ensure positive outcomes. 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.
The culture of the service was positive, kind and caring and the staff team were motivated and passionate. Staff knew people well and supported people with dignity and respect. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible.
Care plans were detailed and provided good information for staff to follow to support people effectively. People had the choice to participate in a range of activities which promoted a good quality of life. People knew how to raise a complaint and their views were listened to and investigated. End of life planning was being further developed to ensure people’s wishes were recorded.
The registered manager was visible and approachable, and we received positive feedback about how the service was managed. Staff had a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and their views were used to ensure the service continuously improved. Audits were completed, however these required further improvement to ensure they were effective in identifying issues across the service. The management team were proactive in promptly addressing the issues found at inspection.
Rating at last inspection: Good (published 27 May 2017)
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Blackbrook House provides accommodation and personal care for up to 55 older people who may also have dementia. Care is provided in two separate units which are located on the same floor level. At the time of our visit there were 45 people living in the service.
The service had a manager in post that was going through the process of becoming registered. They were being supported during this process by the area manager. 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.
Staffing numbers were adequate most of the time. However, during the day of inspection we observed people having to wait too long for their meals. The provider had previously provided an action plan in which it was noted that regular audits will be carried out of people’s meal time experiences we were therefore confident that this would not remain an issue.
There were appropriate arrangements in place for medication to be stored and administered safely.
The provider had some systems in place to manage risks but had not covered all of the risks to people with health needs. We recommended the service update people’s risk assessments that are living with diabetes to include the need for them to be monitored when consuming sugary snacks and drinks.
The service was meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs). Appropriate mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions had been undertaken by relevant professionals. This ensured that the decision was taken in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, DoLs and associated codes of practice.
People had access to healthcare professionals. A choice of food and drink was available that reflected their nutritional needs, and took into account their personal lifestyle preferences or health care needs.
Staff had good relationships with people who used the service and were attentive to their needs. People’s privacy and dignity was respected at all times.
People and their relatives were involved in making decisions about their care and support.
People were treated with kindness and respect by staff who knew them well and who listened to their views and preferences.
People were encouraged to follow their interests and hobbies. They were supported to keep in contact with their family and friends.
Staff were committed to providing good quality dementia care and people living with dementia were supported to lead a fulfilling life as possible.
There was a new manager in post who was enthusiastic and motivated and committed to ensuring people experienced a good quality of life, they encouraged an open culture and led by example. Staff morale was high and they felt that their views were valued.
The management team had systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service provided, and to drive improvements where this was required.