We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Old Vicarage 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 The Old Vicarage, you can give feedback on this 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.
We found the following examples of good practice.
¿ The provider had purchased a computer tablet and system to enable people to have video calls with their loved ones. Family and friends had been given the details of how to call their loved ones and staff supported people to stay in touch.
¿ The registered manager and staff worked closely with health professionals to meet people’s needs whilst minimising the risk of COVID infection. Video calls were used and all visiting professionals were adked about possible symptoms and had their temperature taken prior to entry.
¿ Although no one at the service had been infected with COVID, the registered manager had put in place safety boxes. These contained all the equipment needed to support people if they had to be isolated such as clinical waste bags and personal protective equipment.