29 May 2019
During a routine inspection
Westholme is registered to accommodate 26 older people who may live with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 20 people living at the home. Westholme is located near to the centre of St Annes, close to local services and amenities. The property is large, with accommodation spread over three floors. A lift provides access to the upper floors.
People’s experience of using this service:
The registered manager provided staff training and regularly checked their competency to ensure people’s medicines were managed safely. One person said, “Having the staff doing my medication keeps me safe.”
The registered manager had implemented the local authority’s safeguarding policy, which included contact details to report abuse. Staff demonstrated a good level of awareness about their related responsibilities. A staff member explained, “Our function is to keep the residents safe.”
The management team had implemented a new electronic system to enhance risk assessment and better evaluate treatment outcomes. The provider was extensively refurbishing and redecorating all areas of the home. People told us they felt valued, safe and comfortable.
The registered manager deployed good staffing levels and skill mixes to meet people’s needs. The provider had a wide-ranging training programme to enhance staff knowledge. A relative stated, “The staff are skilled and have a really good understanding of [my relative] and her background.”
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. A relative told us, “Whenever I visit I see people coming and going as they please, there are no restrictions.”
Staff checked each person’s diet to reduce the risk of malnutrition. People said they were offered variety and liked their meals. One person stated, “The food is lovely, I really enjoy my meals.”
Staff were respectful when they engaged with people and understood the value of touch and humour. One person said, “The staff are great. Considering they are much younger than me, they get me and talk to me on my level.”
The new electronic care planning system focused on monitoring people’s health to ensure support was responsive to their needs. A relative commented, “The staff attitude is one of real insight, respect, kindness and compassion. They are lovely and yet highly professional and experienced.”
People and their relatives confirmed there was strong leadership at Westholme. A relative said, “[The registered manager] has this lovely, calm aura about him. He is definitely a great leader.” The registered manager regularly audited the service to retain oversight of quality assurance.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection:
At the last inspection the service was rated good (published 31 January 2017).
Why we inspected:
This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.
Follow up:
We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any issues or concerns are identified we may inspect sooner.