About the service: Barton Court provides accommodation with personal care to older people, some of whom may be living with dementia. There were 34 people using the service when we inspected. For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
What life is like for people using the service:
By observing, listening and talking to people we found people benefited from a safe and caring service. People and their relatives consistently told us they experienced safe care. One person said, “I get peace of mind living here because I know I am safe.” A relative said, “My loved one is safe with the care here, I visit everyday. I’ve got to say, lovely staff, they are so genuine, I’ve found them to be very caring.” During the inspection, we often heard staff saying kind things to people and observed that staff were friendly and attentive to people’s needs.
The registered provider offered an inclusive service. They had policies about Equality, Diversity and Human Rights and applied these by talking to people about their choices. Staff worked in partnership with people, health professionals and families to meet people’s needs.
People told us that staff met their needs with care and were friendly towards them. Staff received additional training about meeting the needs of people with dementia.
The proper management of risks, robust risk assessments and the ongoing maintenance of the premises and equipment minimised the risk of people being exposed to harm. The premises were adapted to people’s needs to make them dementia friendly, accessible to people with mobility problems.
People’s needs were fully assessed and people’s right to retain independence in their day to day lives was respected. Staff understood how to safeguard people at risk and how to report any concerns they may have. The staff learnt from incidents and accidents to reduce the risk of them reoccurring.
Care plans had been developed to assist staff to meet people’s needs. The care plans were consistently reviewed and updated.
People, their relatives and health care professionals had the opportunity to share their views about the service. Complaints made by people or their relatives were taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
Safe recruitment practices had been followed before staff started working at the service. Staff had regular supervision and personal development opportunities to learn skills in social care. Staff training was ongoing. There were systems in place for ensuring the staffing levels and staff skills balance were maintained to meet people’s needs.
There were policies and procedures in place for the safe administration of medicines. Staff had been trained to administer medicines safely.
A range of food choices were encouraged by staff to eat healthily. People had access to GPs and their health and wellbeing was supported by prompt referrals and access to medical care if they became unwell.
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.
Staff followed good hygiene practice to minimise the risks from the spread of infection.
The service could continue to run in the event of emergencies arising so that people’s care would continue.
Rating at last comprehensive inspection: This was the first ratings inspection since the service registered in June 2018.
Why we inspected: We carried out the inspection because the registered provider had changed their legal entity on 21 June 2018 to a new limited company. The same registered manager, management team and staff team were in place. The service had been rated as Good under their old legal entity. However, due to the change in the name of the registered providers limited company name, a new registration was needed. We inspect newly registered services within 12 months of them being registered.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor the service through the information we receive.