Brookdale Care Home

Updated 6 December 2023

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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.

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 team comprised of 2 inspectors and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Brookdale is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Brookdale Care Home is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations. At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 9 people who used the service and the relatives of 7 people. We also spoke with 10 members of staff including the registered manager, care, and ancillary staff plus a visiting dietician.

During the inspection visit we looked at the management of people’s medicines and reviewed 2 care plans. We also looked at areas of health and safety, staff recruitment and management systems. Additional evidence, sent to us electronically, was reviewed remotely.

Updated 6 December 2023

About the service

Brookdale Care Home is a residential care home providing personal care and support to up to 58 people. The home comprises of the main house and a specialist dementia unit. At the time of the inspection there were 48 people living at the home.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People and their relatives told us staff were kind, caring and respectful. People said they were cared for in a way they wanted and needed. We observed warm and friendly interaction from staff with people and their visitors.

A range of activities and opportunities were made available to promote people’s independence and choice, in and away from the home. The home’s coffee shop provided a welcoming space for people and their visitors to enjoy their time together, as well as enabling people to develop friendships with each other.

Management systems provided clear monitoring and oversight of the service. Plans were in place to help identify areas of continuous improvement ad learning.

People were involved in the assessment and planning of their care and support. 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 received their medicines as prescribed. Immediate action was taken to address the shortfalls identified during the inspection.

People’s dietary needs were met. Kitchen staff were aware of people’s dietary needs and provided balanced and nutritious meals. Advice and support was sought from healthcare professionals where risks to people’s health and well-being had been identified.

Safe recruitment processes were in place. Staffing levels were regularly reviewed to ensure these met the current and changing needs of people. A range of training and development opportunities were provided to support staff. Staff said they were supported in their role and the team worked well together.

A good standard of accommodation was provided. Hygiene standards were maintained throughout the home. Suitable aids and adaptations were available to aid people's mobility and promote their safety. Servicing and maintenance checks were carried out to ensure the premises and equipment were kept safe.

Effective systems were in place for the recording and reporting of any safeguarding concerns and complaints. People, their relatives and staff were confident their views were listened and responded to.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was Good, published on [20 February 2019].

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.