Background to this inspection
Updated
18 June 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
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
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. Elderflower 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.
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.
Whilst there was a registered manager, they were no longer employed at the service. At the time of our inspection a new manager had been employed who had applied to register with the Care Quality Commission.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection-
We spoke with four people using the service and two relatives. We spoke with six members of staff including a registered manager who was supporting the service, the manager, clinical lead, cook, senior carer and the head of care.
Updated
18 June 2022
About the service
Elderflower House is a care home with nursing. Accommodation is over two floors including lounge and dining communal areas. The service can accommodate up to 37 people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection 29 people were using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Risks to people were not always assessed and managed. Accidents and incidents and any environmental risks were analysed to identify themes and trends. Staff knew people well and understood their responsibilities to protect people from harm and abuse.
People were put at ease by staff who spoke to them reassuringly and respected their privacy and dignity.
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’s medicines were managed in a safe way by staff who had training and were assessed as competent. The service was clean, and staff wore personal protective equipment which was available throughout the service. However, some of the bathrooms upstairs required work which had been planned.
There were enough staff with the right skills and experience to meet people’s needs. Staff were kind and caring and motivated to achieve good outcomes for people. People were supported to follow their hobbies and interests and to maintain relationships with the people important to them. Staff were flexible in their approach so care and support was person centred.
There was a clear management and support structure in place, people and staff were consulted and listened to. New quality monitoring and governance systems and processes were being implemented to drive improvements and identify risks. Staff worked with partner agencies, so people received all the care and support they required.
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 24 December 2020 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection following registration.
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 until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.