Background to this inspection
Updated
3 September 2021
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 undertaken by two inspectors and a specialist advisor. A specialist advisor is a qualified health professional. Our specialist advisor was a registered nurse who had expertise in supporting older people and people living with dementia.
Service and service type
Ardenlea Court is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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 looked at the information we held about the service and used this to help us plan our inspection. We also considered the Provider Information Return (PIR). This information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We also gathered feedback from the local authority and clinical commissioning group (CCG) who fund some of the care provided. We used all of this information to plan our inspection
During the inspection
We spoke with six people who used the service and two relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with thirteen members of staff including the registered manager, the regional manager, nurses, care assistants, the administrator, receptionist and a laundry assistant.
We reviewed a range of records. This included seven people’s care records and 15 people’s medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and support. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We gathered feedback via the telephone from three people’s relatives and we received some further information about the service from the registered manager.
Updated
3 September 2021
About the service
Ardenlea Court accommodates a maximum of 60 older people. At the time of our visit 37 people lived at the service. The ground floor provides both permanent residency and 10 intermediate care beds (ICU). The ICU provided beds are for people who are ready to leave hospital but required further assessment to determine their longer-term needs. People with dementia lived on the first floor.
People's experience of using this service
People continued to feel safe living at the service. Risk management had improved since our last inspection because risks were assessed, and guidance was in place to help staff provide safe care. Effective safeguarding systems protected people from avoidable harm or abuse. Staff were recruited safely, and enough staff were on duty during our visit to provide safe care.
Medicines safety had improved since our last inspection and people’s medicines were administered as prescribed. Checks of medicines took place which meant any errors could be identified and addressed promptly. The provider's infection prevention and control measures were effective.
The provider remained compliant with the Mental Capacity Act. 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 and their relatives felt staff had the skills they needed to provide effective care. New staff completed an induction when they started work and staff spoke positively about their ongoing training which helped them to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Staff attended meetings and met frequently with their managers to discuss and reflect on their practice.
People's needs were assessed before they started to use the service which helped to ensure their care was planned and delivered in line with people’s lifestyle choices and cultural needs. People received personalised and responsive care from staff who knew them well. Care records contained detailed and up to date information to help staff provide the care and support people needed in line with their wishes.
People liked the food and their dietary needs were catered for. Staff encouraged people to eat and drink enough to maintain their health. People had access to health professionals when needed. The environment was dementia friendly and met people’s needs. People provided positive feedback about their living environment.
People spoke positively about the staff who supported them. Relatives shared this viewpoint. The diversity of people and staff was recognised and celebrated. People's dignity was upheld, their right to privacy was respected and their independence was promoted.
People were happy with the range of social activities provided to occupy their time and activities for people living with dementia had significantly improved since our last inspection.
People and their relatives knew how to complain, and complaints were responded to in line with the providers complaints policy. learning from complaints was shared with staff to improve outcomes for people.
Effective quality assurance systems had been embedded at the service since our last inspection which demonstrated improvements had been made and lessons had been learnt. People and staff provided positive feedback about the leadership of the service. Peoples feedback was listened to and the provider and registered manager understood their responsibility to be open and honest when things had gone wrong.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 03 July 2019).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.