The Care Quality Commission
  • Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Wessex House

Pesters Lane, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 7AA (01458) 273594

Provided and run by:
Somerset Care Limited

Important: This service is now registered at a different address - see new profile

All Inspections

21 October 2013

During a routine inspection

At the time of our inspection there were 47 people living at the home.

People told us they were very happy at the home which was meeting all of their care and support needs. One person said "I am very happy here and the staff are always very nice". A relative told us "I visit every day and the staff can never do enough for my relative. The staff are all so kind and even visit when they are not on duty".

We observed that consent was sought by staff before care or treatment was undertaken. We noted where people were unable to give verbal consent, staff would use the appropriate communication style that was favoured by the person, to gain their consent.

We saw that care plans were developed around the individual care needs of people and contained risk assessments to ensure that care that was delivered was safe.

We observed the home had effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. We observed that all areas were clean, tidy and maintained to a good standard.

People told us that staff knew how to care for them appropriately. We noted that supervision arrangements had been reviewed to ensure that all staff were able to receive supervision every six weeks.

We observed quality assurance systems were in place in the form of audits and service user and relatives questionnaires. We noted that service users and family members were very satisfied with the service from the provider which was meeting their care and support needs.

18 September 2012

During an inspection in response to concerns

Prior to our inspection we received concerns that there were insufficient numbers of staff to meet the needs of the people who lived at the home. We spent the day observing care practises and spoke to people who lived at the home and staff. We also met with two visitors.

People appeared very comfortable in the presence of staff and it was evident staff knew people well. Staff were observed being kind, caring and patient when they supported people.

The visitors spoken with told us that the home kept them 'well informed' about the well being of their relative.

People who lived at the home and two visitors we spoke with told us that they were very happy with the care provided. Comments included 'I am very well looked after here and the staff are always happy to help me' and 'the care here is second to none. I can't fault anything.'

We spent time observing how people were being cared for and we spoke to nine members of staff. We observed a good staff presence on each of the units we visited. No concerns were raised by people who lived at the home. Staff told us that they were able to meet people's needs but would 'like to be able to spend more quality time with people.' This comment related to the nursing unit.

20 September 2011

During a routine inspection

During our visit we were able to speak to people living on each of the four units within the home. People told us that they were able to make choices about their day to day lives. They said; 'I can choose what time I go to bed and what time I get up in the morning', 'I can spend time in my room when ever I want to'. People said; 'the staff don't make you do anything you don't want to do'.

People told us that staff always respected their privacy by knocking on doors before entering and ensured doors were closed when assisting people with personal care.

Staff were heard offering people an explanation before they were assisted with a task. Some examples of this included assisting people to turn in bed, assistance to eat and drink and assistance to transfer with a hoist. Staff interactions were noted to be kind and respectful and people appeared comfortable in the presence of staff.

Some people spoken with were aware that they had a plan of care which was discussed with them on a monthly basis. They told us that staff were aware of their preferences and that they were satisfied with the care they received.

People said; 'I feel very well looked after here' and 'I can't fault the care or the staff'. We spoke with three visitors who confirmed that they did not have any concerns with the care their relative received and that they were always kept up to date with any changes.

On the day of the visit everyone living at the home appeared well presented demonstrating that staff took time to support people with personal care and dressing. People living at the home told us that assistance with personal care was offered in a dignified and respectful manner. Throughout the day we observed staff responding promptly to requests for assistance and call bells were answered instantly. People confirmed that if they rang their call bell staff came "Very quickly."

Each person spoken with during our visit told us that they felt 'safe and well cared for' and they commented on the kindness of the staff.

Everyone said that they would be comfortable in raising any concerns or worries with the manager or a member of staff.

Although staff were busy throughout the day, people did not appear to be rushed and the atmosphere throughout the home felt calm and relaxed. A visitor and three people spoken with told us 'it's always like this here'.

People spoken with during our visit told us that they found the staff and manager approachable and that they were 'kept up to date' with what was going on in the home. This was also confirmed by the three visitors spoken with during our visit.

People living at the home and visitors spoken with confirmed that they had the opportunity to express their views at monthly 'resident and relative meetings'.