White Plains Care Home is a purpose built home for older people situated just outside the village of Denham. The home is set within eight acres of landscaped grounds overlooking the private Denham air field. The service provides accommodation for up to 38 older people. The service does not provide nursing care. At the time of our inspection there were 34 people using the service.The inspection took place on 3 and 4 February 2016 and was unannounced.
The service had a registered manager supported by a deputy manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
We saw people were well cared for, relaxed and comfortable in the home. One relative said when they visit staff always made them feel welcome, and offered refreshments.
People and relatives were consistently complimentary about the staff and their skills. One relative said, “They all know the residents very well, and they know what they need, and know what they’re doing. The manager makes sure they are on the ball. When the manager is not here the deputy manager makes sure the standards and consistency is the same”.
Care records were personalised and up to date and accurately reflected people’s individual care and support needs. Care plans detailed how individuals were to be supported. People’s needs were assessed and their care plans reviewed and revised in line with their changing needs
The staff we spoke with were positive about the availability and quality of training provided and they told us that they had received training that enabled them to meet people’s needs effectively. A member of care staff told us, “The dementia training really helped my learning and understanding, and gave me confidence”. Staff told us they felt supported to do their job, and had regular informal and formal supervisions.
During our visits people were supported to take part in activities, and the home made excellent use of volunteers, students from the international college, and community projects to support the activities This ensured residents continued to lead a stimulating life.
The home was a member of NAPA (National Activity Providers Association) and the activity co-ordinator is undertaking additional training to enhance and develop their expertise and skills
A visiting GP stated that the home was fantastic, well managed and that staff make prompt and appropriate contact and act on clinical advice. The doctor visits weekly and said they find the staff caring, and compassionate. The home provides a wide range of support and care including end of life care. The GP said they are able to offer continuity of care as many of the residents moving to the home are local people, and the surgery have recommended White Plains.