Background to this inspection
Updated
5 January 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 Care Act 2014.
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
The Old Vicarage is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager registered with CQC. 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
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since it registered with CQC. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
During the inspection
We spoke with four people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with eight staff, including the cook and the registered manager.
We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We spoke with three people’s relatives about the care and support their loved ones received. We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.
Updated
5 January 2022
About the service
The Old Vicarage is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 24 people aged 65 and over, some of whom were living with dementia, at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 39 people.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People told us they felt safe and that staff were kind. People were protected from the risks of abuse, harm and discrimination. Risks to people’s health were assessed and managed. Staff had guidance about how to reduce risks to people. The service was clean, and staff wore personal protective equipment, such as face masks and gloves, in line with guidance. People and staff were tested regularly for Covid-19 in line with Government guidance.
People were supported by staff who had been safely recruited. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and people were not rushed. There was a relaxed and calm atmosphere in the service. People and relatives spoke positively about the staff and the quality of service. A relative told us, “As soon as we walked into The Old Vicarage it was really clear how caring the staff were. They were chatting to people and it was a very relaxed and warm feeling home. Everyone seemed to be involved.”
People were supported to have their medicines safely and as prescribed. The registered manager monitored any accidents and incidents and, when needed, referred people to health care professionals in a timely way.
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 were treated with kindness and compassion. People and their relatives knew how to complain and had no complaints about the service. They felt confident to raise any concerns with the registered manager and felt they were listened to. A relative said, “The communication is really good, first class.”
People’s communication needs were recorded and understood by the staff. Information was available in different formats to help people understand and / or make choices and decisions.
People were supported to stay busy and active. There were planned and impromptu activities and people helped with things, such as baking and folding laundry. Visiting clergy provided religious services and local schools had sung to people from outside.
People and relatives felt the service was well-led. The registered manager promoted an open and inclusive culture. They were supported by a deputy and team leaders who worked as a cohesive team.
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 11 November 2020 and this is the first inspection.
The last rating for the service under the previous provider was Good, published on 19 June 2019.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on our inspection programme.
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.