Allison House

Updated 30 July 2022

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. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

One inspector carried out this inspection.

Service and service type

Allison House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us.

Allison House is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the home since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

Some people who lived at the home had difficulty communicating, however, we spent time observing people's daily experiences of the care and support. We spoke with six relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with eight members of staff including the registered manager, two nurses, cook, and four care staff. We looked at the care records of three people, a sample of medicines records and other records related to the management of the home.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the registered manager to validate evidence found.

Updated 30 July 2022

About the service

Allison House is a residential nursing home providing personal and nursing care for up to 40 people living with dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 40 people using the service.

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

The provider had systems in place to ensure people were protected from the risk of abuse and harm. Staff had completed safeguarding training. Risks to people were assessed and managed. Incidents and accidents and safeguarding concerns were recorded. People's medicines were administered and managed safely. Health and safety checks were regularly conducted.

Recruitment record keeping was not always effective. The registered manager found all the missing recruitment documentation and confirmed appropriate checks had been conducted. The provider had sourced the support of an external recruitment provider prior to our visit. People had enough to eat and drink and had access to specialist equipment to remain independent. The home used innovative ideas to support people with hydration.

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.

The home had been adapted to ensure people were safe and could be as independent as possible. The provider had plans in place to improve the environment.

People were supported by dedicated, and well-trained staff. People and relatives said staff were caring and kind. The home had a warm friendly atmosphere. Relatives told us they were made very welcome. Staff displayed genuine affection and were kind and considerate when supporting people.

Staff were passionate about making sure people received the best care possible. The provider was responsive to changes in people’s needs. Care records were regularly reviewed to ensure records reflected people’s needs. People had a range of activities to support their emotional, physical and social needs.

The provider worked with external healthcare professionals to support and maintain people’s health. The provider monitored the quality of the service. People, relatives and staff were regularly asked for feedback. The culture of the home promoted positive outcomes for people.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection and update

This service was registered with us on 16 December 2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the date the service became registered with CQC.

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.