We carried out a review of the data available to us about Alexander 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 Alexander House, you can give feedback on this service.
Alexander House is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care for up to 16 aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The accommodation can support up to 16 people across two residential houses in East Sheen. At the time of the inspection there were 16 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
We have made a recommendation in relation to medicines management.
People and their relatives told us the service was safe, people were protected against the risk of harm and abuse as staff had received safeguarding training and knew the provider’s safeguarding procedure. There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff employed to keep people safe. People were supported by trained staff who followed the government COVID-19 guidance. The registered manager took swift action to learn lessons when things went wrong.
Staff received ongoing training to enhance their skills and knowledge. Staff were supported to reflect on their working practices through regular discussions with the registered manager. People were provided with sufficient food and drink that met their dietary needs and preferences. People’s health and wellbeing were regularly monitored.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported /did them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People received care and support from staff that demonstrated compassion and kindness. People were encouraged to make decisions about their care. Where possible, people were supported to maintain their independence where safe to do so. People were treated equally and had their diverse needs respected and facilitated.
People’s care was tailored to their individual needs. People were aware of how to raise their concerns and were confident these would be managed well. Activities provided ensured people were not social isolated. People’s end of life wishes were documented.
People spoke positively about the registered manager and management team. The provider encouraged people to share their views to drive improvement. Regular audits were carried out identified issues and enabled these to be acted on quickly. The registered manager and staff were clear about their responsibilities and actively worked in partnership with stakeholders.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good, published on 30 December 2017.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on our inspection scheduling.
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.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Alexander House on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
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.
Due to an outbreak, people were being isolated in their rooms and no visitors were being admitted at the time of our inspection. We observed a garden visiting area had been in use previously.
Changes had been made to the home environment to help promote social distancing. Furniture in communal areas had been arranged to provide more space and ensure people were seated at a safe distance.
There were sufficient stocks of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available including masks, visors, gloves, aprons and hand sanitiser. PPE stations were available outside people's rooms where staff could use hand sanitiser and change their PPE. This helped reduce the potential for infections spreading through different parts of the service. We saw staff wearing PPE correctly during our visit.
Staff had received training in infection prevention and control. This included training about infection control specifically relating to 'Donning and Doffing' which is how to put on and remove PPE safely.
There was a testing programme in place for staff and people living in the service. Staff were being tested weekly and people living at the care home monthly.