We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Old Vicarage 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 The Old Vicarage, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
The provider had systems to prevent visitors from spreading and catching infections. They had followed guidance on supporting safe visiting including by displaying notices at the entrance to the home advising people not to enter if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Visitors completed a health screening questionnaire and their contact details were recorded to support the NHS Test and Trace service. The provider was building a screened cabin in the home’s garden to support safe indoor visits.
The home had a large sitting room and conservatory. Seating had been arranged to support people to social distance. The provider had adapted the layout of the building to support staff to social distance.
The provider followed best practice when people were admitted to the home. People had a negative COVID-19 test before moving into the home and self-isolated in their rooms for 14 days after moving in.
We observed the staff using Personal Protective Equipment, (PPE) safely. The provider had ensured sufficient stocks of appropriate PPE were available to protect people.
People living in the home and the staff were tested regularly for COVID-19. The provider had also arranged for people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The home was clean and hygienic. Additional cleaning schedules had been introduced and frequently touched areas were cleaned regularly throughout the day to reduce the risk of infection.
The provider had detailed and up-to-date infection prevention and control policies and procedures. They sought and acted on advice to further improve infection prevention and control procedures. They were aware of appropriate agencies to contact in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19.
In June 2017 the registered provider for the service changed. This was our first inspection of the home since the new provider was registered.
The Old Vicarage 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.
The home provides accommodation and personal care for up to 19 older people and people who are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 14 people living in the home.
The home is a large period property, set in its own grounds, that has been adapted for its present use. The home has thirteen single bedrooms and three double rooms that two people can choose to share. Communal space is provided in the form of a sitting room, dining room and conservatory.
The registered provider was an individual who also managed the service on a day-to-day basis. Registered providers 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 this was a good home and said they would recommend it. The staff knew people well and treated people in a kind and caring way.
People were safe and protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Hazards to people’s safety had been identified and managed. The staff gave people guidance about maintaining their safety in the home and while attending activities in the community.
There were enough trained and competent staff to provide the support people required. The staff were attentive to people and provided the support they needed in a timely manner.
The registered provider carried out checks on new staff to ensure they were suitable to work in the home.
People were provided with meals and drinks they enjoyed. Where people required support from staff to enjoy their meals this was provided discreetly and as they needed.
The registered provider and staff in the home were knowledgeable about their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and people’s rights were respected. 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.
Care was planned and delivered to meet people’s needs. People received the support they required to maintain their mental and physical health. The registered provider worked with appropriate services to ensure people continued to receive the support they required if their needs changed and when they were approaching the end of life.
Visitors were made welcome in the home and people could see their friends and families as they wished.
The registered provider had a procedure for receiving and responding to complaints about the service. Where concerns were shared with the registered provider action was taken to further improve the service.
There were arrangements in place to ensure the effective management of the home. The registered provider was supported by a care manager and senior care staff. People knew the registered provider and were confident approaching him as they needed.
The registered provider was committed to providing a good quality service. People who lived in the home and their families were asked for their views and action was taken in response to their comments. The registered provider carried out checks on the service to ensure people continued to receive good care.