Worthington Lake Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

Visitors to the home needed to provide evidence of a recently completed negative lateral flow device (LFD) test, or complete one upon arrival. Visitors also had their temperature screened and were required to put on personal protective equipment (PPE). Professionals were required to provide evidence of their vaccination status via the NHS app or COVID pass. An electronic record of vaccination status was kept on file for future reference.

Contact with relatives had been maintained during the pandemic through a variety of means. A visiting lodge had been installed within the grounds, balcony and garden visits had been facilitated, as well as phone and video calls. The home had ensured any changes to guidance had been communicated via social media, emails and verbally through phone calls. Indoor visiting was now being facilitated in line with current guidance.

The home had a plentiful supply of PPE which was used and worn correctly by staff. Staff had completed training in infection control and the safe use of PPE, with competency checks completed to ensure ongoing compliance.

The home had robust cleaning procedures in place, which had increased in response to the pandemic. Frequent touch points had been cleaned regularly. The home had purchased specialist equipment to help ensure rooms were fully sanitised.

All staff and people living at the home completed regular COVID-19 testing in line with current guidance. Additional testing of both people and staff had been implemented following the discovery of positive cases within the home. Social distancing, cohorting and zoning had been used effectively to support people and staff to remain safe. Staff had been allocated to work in specific areas of the home.

The home lead, who had acted as temporary home manager during the early stages of the pandemic had been nominated for and received both the regional and national COVID Hero Award at the Great British Care Awards 2021. This was is recognition of their work in supporting the home, people and staff to stay safe, follow guidance, whilst still enjoying a good quality of life.

Worthington Lake is a purpose built residential ‘care home’ providing personal and nursing care for up to 34 people aged 65 and over. Accommodation is provided across two floors which can be accessed via a stair-well and passenger lift. All bedrooms are en-suite and there are spacious communal kitchen facilities as well as social, dining and garden areas that people can access. At the time of this inspection 20 people were living at the home.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People received safe and effective care that was tailored around their individual support needs and areas of risk. People’s support needs were established from the outset, areas of risk were regularly monitored, and care reviews were regularly taking place. People were protected from abuse, safeguarding procedures were in place.

Medication procedures were safe. All staff were trained to administer medication and regularly had their competency levels checked. Health and safety procedures were followed, regulatory compliance was met, and infection control support measures were generally complied with. The environment was specifically adapted and designed in conjunction with best practice, research and guidance to support people living with dementia.

Safe and robust recruitment procedures were in place; people received care and support by staff who had been appropriately recruited and thoroughly inducted in their roles. The home was purposely ‘over-staffed’ at the time of the inspection. The provider explained that they wanted to recruit, train and induct all staff so they could provide the appropriate level of care as the capacity of the home increased. Training compliance was generally met, although some training courses were still in the process of being sourced.

The provider complied with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). 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 received timely and effective care and support from Worthington Lake staff as well as external health and social care professionals. The provider also employed an ‘in-house’ occupational therapist who provided effective support as and when it was required. Partnership working ensured that people received a holistic level of care with all aspects of their health and well-being. People were supported to maintain healthy, balanced diets. Care records contained information about people’s dietary support needs, preferences and likes.

We observed staff providing kind, compassionate, dignified and person-centred care that was tailored around people’s support needs and preferences. An electronic care record system contained up to date, consistent person-centred details for staff to familiarise themselves with. There was no dedicated activities co-ordinator in place however, it was the responsibility of all staff to support the activities schedule and encourage people to participate.

The quality and safety of care was routinely assessed, monitored and improved upon. Accidents, incidents and safeguarding events were investigated, lessons were learnt, and measures were put in place to effectively manage risk and keep people safe.

For more details, please see the full report which is on The Care Quality Commission (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on March 2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

The inspection was carried out as part of our inspection schedule.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.