Alice House

Updated 10 April 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 15 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 10 April 2021

About the service

Alice House is a residential care home providing personal care and support to 18 people living with conditions associated with dementia at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 32 people.

Alice House is a large detached adapted house with accommodation over two floors and access via a passenger lift. The environment has been adapted for people living with dementia. Bright contrasting colours and clear pictures and signage has been used throughout the home to assist people to be independent and find their way around.

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

People said they felt safe, happy and well cared for at Alice House. One person said, "It’s very nice here, I feel very safe, it’s homely."

Most people were unable to give an informed view of their experience of living at Alice House. However it was clear from our observations people were comfortable and moved freely around their home. Staff interactions with people were kind, caring and considerate. For example when one person became agitated, staff quickly defused the situation.

Some improvements were needed in the recording of medicines. We have made a recommendation in respect of this.

There were sufficient staff with the right skills and support to meet people’s needs and wishes. Staffing had been reduced due to a decision to reassess some people who needed additional support. This meant the number of people using the service had decreased in recent months. This was a planned strategy to ensure Alice House was offering the right support to people. In recent weeks the numbers of people using the service had increased and the registered provider agreed they did now need to review staffing and increase care staff by at least one. They did not currently use a dependency tool to help them review staffing levels. Following feedback, they agreed to research this to find a dependency tool which they could utilise.

People enjoyed a variety and choice of meals. Their healthcare needs were closely monitored and the service worked in partnership with other professionals to achieve good outcomes for people, including end of life care.

Staff provided a varied programme of activities taking into consideration peoples past and their hobbies and interests. Staff were skilled at engaging people throughout their day. They tried to involve people with everyday tasks such as washing up, folding laundry and prepping vegetables. This was offered alongside engaging people in hobbies and interests. There was a dog who lived on site. People enjoyed taking the dog out for walks.

Staff had training, support and mentoring to enable them to do their job effectively and safely. Staff felt valued and believed their views and opinions were listened to.

The service had a relatively new manager, who had previously worked at the home as a senior then a deputy manager.

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.

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 this service was Good (Report published 18 August 2017)

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 re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.