The Summers

Updated 7 March 2019

The inspection:

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team:

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type:

The Summers is a residential care home for 35 people. On the day of our inspection, 35 people

were living in the home. Many people were living with dementia. The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection:

We carried out this unannounced inspection on 30 and 31 January 2019 at the home.

What we did:

We reviewed the information we held about the service. This included the previous inspection report, notifications since the last inspection and feedback from the local authority. Notifications are changes, events and incidents that the service must inform us about. We used information the provider sent us in their Provider Information Return (PIR). This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

During the inspection, we spoke to eight people, six relatives and eight staff. We reviewed care records and policies and procedures. We reviewed three people’s care records, and three staff files around staff recruitment, training and supervision. Records relating to the management of the service and a variety of policies and procedures developed and implemented by the provider were also reviewed

Updated 7 March 2019

About the service:

The Summers is a care home without nursing for a maximum of 35 older people, some of whom are living with dementia. There were 35 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection.

People’s experience of using this service:

People were cared for in a safe and friendly way at this home. The main reception area was a lively area of the home where people and staff congregated to socialise and enjoy the sun shining through the main doors. One relative told us, “The staff go above and beyond for the residents.” Another relative said, “ They are so kind here its incredible.” Staff danced, played games and chatted with people throughout the day giving the home a family atmosphere.

Although there had not been enough staff to ensure safe care for people at the time of the inspection, staff numbers were increased immediately following the inspection by the provider. Staff were well trained to safely care for people and knew how to engage and empower them. People had access to health care professionals throughout the week. One doctor told us, “They are a good service. They are consistent and ensure that people are looked after.”

People’s needs, choices and preferences were recorded in person centred care plans. The food at the service was enjoyed by people as they were able to choose what they ate from a menu with variety. The care records enabled staff to correctly provide care and support for people in a safe way. Complaints and concerns were recorded, responded to and used to consider improvements at the service.

The registered manager led by example in providing person centred care and interacting with everyone who visited the service. Detailed audits were completed to check and quality monitor the service and the care it provided. Where certain auditing needed improvement, the management team and provider were receptive and swift to implement changes.

Rating at last inspection:

Good (29 June 2016)

Why we inspected:

This was a scheduled comprehensive inspection. We inspect all services rated as 'Good' within 30 months to ensure that we regularly monitor and review the quality and safety of the service people receive.