This inspection was an unannounced comprehensive inspection that took place of 26 and 30 November 2015. Our last inspection was carried out in September 2014 when we found that the service was meeting all the regulations we reviewed. Brookdale Care Home provides care and personal support to up to 58 mainly older people, many of whom live with dementia. The service comprised of the main house and a specialist dementia unit. At the time of our inspection visit, 54 people were using the service.
The service had a registered manager in place. 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.
People we spoke with told us that they felt safe at the service. They said, “The fact is I’m some distance from the front door, and nobody can get in without being official,” and “The windows are secure at night.”
Staff had completed training in safeguarding adults. All the staff we spoke with told us of the correct action to take should they witness or suspect abuse, including the poor practice of colleagues. We saw a robust system of recruitment was in place in the service. This helped to protect people from the risk of unsuitable staff.
Procedures and training were in place for staff in relation to the safe administration of medicines as well as the prevention and control of the spread of infection.
People who used the service that we spoke with said they thought the home was clean and equipment well maintained. One person said, “I can’t fault it.” Relatives said they though the home was clean and well maintained. We saw that the service was clean, bright and welcoming. The decor was neutral, the bedrooms in the dementia unit were painted pastel colours, and this helped to create a calm atmosphere.
We saw tasteful Christmas decorations had started to be put up throughout the home. The grounds were seen to be well-maintained and plans were in place to add a second conservatory area to the front of the home in keeping with the main house.
We saw that staff received the induction, training and supervision necessary to enable them to do their jobs effectively and care for people safely.
Steps to ensure that any restrictions in place for people who used the service were legally authorised under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) had been taken.
Systems were in place to help ensure people’s health and nutritional needs were met.
The care records we saw contained good information about how people needed to be cared for and supported safely by staff.
A programme of activities was in place to help improve the well-being of people who used the service. There was also effective use of new technology such as iPad, ‘smart’ televisions, a sound system and a Twitter account to keep relatives and friends in touch with what was happening at the home.
Systems were in place to investigate and respond to any complaints people might make.
All the people who we spoke with told us that the registered manager was approachable and they could talk to them. One person said, “I’m sure I could but I’ve no reason to, I’m quite settled here.” Another said, “Yes, she’s alright, but really busy.” Relatives said they could talk to the manager. One relative said, “Yes, she’s lovely.” Another relative said, “The management team are good and responsive.”
Quality assurance and health and safety systems were in place that mirrored the CQC outcome areas safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. Members of the staff team were asked to give their views and opinions about how the service was run.
The home was part of the Bury Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA), which aims to make Bury a more dementia friendly place to live.
Brookdale Care Home had won the regional award for the ‘Care Team of the Year 2015’ and were through to the national finals to be held in the near future.