We carried out a review of the data available to us about Formations Care Home 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 Formations Care Home, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
The service had a robust process and policy to ensure safe visiting including; checking visitors’ temperatures, completing a questionnaire of information to help identify risks related to COVID-19. Personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves and aprons (PPE) and hand sanitiser was also available for visitors and social distancing encouraged.
Staff supported people to remain in contact with their families in line with government guidance. This was arranged through safe social distancing visiting at the service and video calling facilities. The provider sent regular updates to keep families updated on any changes to the guidance.
The home was accessing the government testing scheme. The registered manager knew how to apply for coronavirus testing kits to test residents and staff. Staff were accessing weekly testing in line with current government guidelines. They supported people to access monthly testing when people were able to consent to this.
The home was clean and well ventilated. Additional cleaning schedules had been introduced since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Areas that were frequently touched, such as door handles and light switches, were cleaned several times a day. Hand sanitiser was readily available on the premises.
Pictorial signs reminded people and staff of the infection control procedures to follow to ensure their safety. Staff wore PPE appropriately. Staff were creative in supporting people to maintain their preferred routines and interests within the COVID-19 restrictions.
The registered managers were visible and supportive to staff. One of the registered managers was the designated IPC lead and shared all relevant government updates with staff and family members. The registered manager sought support and advice from external agencies including the local health protection team and CQC and was open to all advice and guidance offered.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
The home is registered to accommodate up to 24 people at any one time however the service had reduced its capacity to 19. On the day of the inspection there were 19 people living in the home.
The inspection took place on 28 August and 6 September 2018 and was unannounced. This was the service’s first inspection since it registered in July 2017. A registered manager was in place. 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.
Feedback from people, relatives and health professional about the service was exceptional. They all said that people received extremely person-centred care that resulted in very positive outcomes for people.
There was an innovative approach to staff training based upon the needs and learning styles of staff and the needs of people who used the service. People and relatives were fully involved in delivering and receiving training. Staff were highly knowledgeable about people and their individual needs.
Staff were exceptionally kind and caring and knew people very well. Staff spent quality time with people meeting their social needs at every opportunity.
Staff had developed extremely caring and compassionate relationships with people which helped them fully understand people, their histories and their future needs. The service was exceptional at helping people maintain and develop their independence through creative methods and activities.
People and their representatives were truly at the heart of the service. People were fully involved in how the service was run including recruitment decisions, chairing meetings and monitoring quality. The service did not see communication difficulties as a barrier and took steps to fully involve all using innovative approaches, patience and dedication.
The service had developed exceptionally strong relationships with local health professionals whose expertise was used to develop and improve the service. The service was highly effective in its approach to meeting people’s individual healthcare needs. The service worked very effectively with other organisations to ensure the service worked to and contributed to the development of best practice guidance.
Management and staff had an excellent understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Working practices in this area were excellent and focused on involving people to the maximum extent possible, even where people lacked capacity to make decisions on their own.
A thorough and person-centred assessment process was in place resulting in detailed care plans. Everyone said care needs were met and the service was very responsive. We saw very positive outcomes had been experienced by people.
End of life care within the home was exceptional. People, relatives and health professionals were fully involved in the planning process.
The service had strong and effective vision and values. People, relatives and staff were fully involved in the creation and review of these values. We saw the service was true to their values and produced exceptional results.
There was a strong focus on continuous improvement of the service. Robust improvement plans were in place and people and relatives had been involved in quality processes through creative methods.
The service had developed exceptionally strong links with the local community. This led to social opportunities and meaningful activities for people who used the service.
The service was dedicated to ensuring people’s wishes and dreams became a reality. They adopted a truly person-centred approach to ensure this happened. Activities and trips out were thoughtful and meaningful for people.
The service recognised the importance of good nutrition and hydration and had put innovative steps in place to meet people’s needs in this area.
The premises was appropriate and had been adapted to meet people’s individual needs. It was tastefully decorated with appropriate space for social interaction.
Medicines were managed safely and people received their medicines as prescribed. Risks to people’s health and safety were assessed and mitigated.
There were enough staff deployed to ensure people received highly personalised care. Safe recruitment procedures were in place.