We carried out a review of the data available to us about Amherst 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 Amherst House, you can give feedback on this service.
Amherst House is registered to provide nursing and personal care for up to 60 older people. At the time of our inspection there were 56 people living at the service. Some people using the service were living with dementia.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were kept safe from abuse and avoidable harm. People told us they felt safe using the service because they were supported by staff who knew their needs well. Staff knew how to manage risks associated with people’s care and there were enough staff available to support people safely.
People and relatives spoke positively about the staff and the support they received. Action had been taken to reduce the risk of the spread of infection and the provider had ensured practices were updated according to national guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
People's needs and choices were assessed and planned for, and their preferences had been considered. Staff supported people to manage their nutritional needs safely and people were complimentary about the food. Staff were safely recruited and inducted. They had access to appropriate training and supervision to ensure they had the skills to support people effectively.
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.
People were supported to access activities, outings and celebrations. Friends and relatives were welcomed into the service and people were supported to maintain relationships. Staff supported people to access healthcare services as required. Any specialist support was recorded, and actions completed.
The registered manager provided clear direction which helped to empower people to achieve positive outcomes. People and relatives were involved with the running of the service. Staff felt valued and supported by the management team.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 10 December 2021 and this is the first inspection.
The last rating for the service under the previous provider was outstanding, published on 12 July 2019.
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.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.
Gracewell of Horley Park is a care home registered to provide nursing and residential care and accommodation for 60 people with various health conditions, including dementia, mobility issues and diabetes. There were 59 people living at the service on the day of our inspection. Gracewell of Horley Park is a purpose-built care home located in Horley, Surrey.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
People’s experience of using this service:
People received outstandingly high-quality care that met and exceeded their needs, and improved their wellbeing, independence and happiness. Dedicated and enthusiastic staff ensured that people’s daily life was filled with enjoyment, opportunities for meaningful occupation, entertainment and involvement in making the service their home. People’s needs, wishes and aspirations were paramount and at the heart of the service. One person told us, “The staff are so kind nice and look after me. Being here is a blessing, I am fortunate to be here. I feel wanted, safe and well cared for by staff who want to take care of me”.
People were overwhelmingly positive about the quality of the food on offer and enjoyed socialising with each other in the dining rooms. Exceptional food was prepared for people, and innovative and creative techniques were used to ensure that not only did people enjoy the food on offer, but their health and wellbeing was promoted and improved through the excellent management of their nutrition and hydration. One person told us, “I sit with friends eating lovely food”.
People, their visitors and staff universally had their equality, diversity and culture celebrated, and their rights promoted and respected. The service was inclusive, educational and empowering. Innovative and practical technology was used to enhance peoples care, but also to entertain and teach people and staff new skills and increase their knowledge.
Extensive thought had been given to the environment of the service and the furnishings and the décor was of an exceptionally high standard. The environment of the service entertained, orientated, empowered and soothed people, especially those who were living with dementia.
The service had built an outstanding model of care and support provided to people. Staff provided a safe environment and people’s independence was not compromised. Risks were assessed to encourage people to do as much for themselves as they could.
The management of the service had instilled a culture of care and support. Excellent teamwork was an essential ingredient embedded in the service to ensure that people received continuity of care. People received continuity of care from regular staff and there was a culture of staff working closely together. Staff considered themselves, people using the service and their visitors as family and this ensured that people were cared for in a way that provided them with a happy, meaningful and enjoyable lifestyle. A member of staff told us, “The managers are always encouraging us to improve. There is a lot of opportunity to grow here. The support is great, you just ask and it gets done. We are more than colleagues and residents, we are family”.
Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 3 November 2016).
Why we inspected: This was a scheduled inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor the intelligence we receive about this home and plan to inspect in line with our re-inspection schedule for those services rated Outstanding.