Background to this inspection
Updated
11 September 2020
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.
This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.
This inspection took place on 25 August 2020 and was announced. The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.
Updated
11 September 2020
About the service:
Elmhurst Assisted Living and Care Facilities provides accommodation, supported living and personal care to people with dementia, learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder or mental health. It is registered to provide care for up to 10 people in the main house. At the time of our inspection visit there were 10 people living in the house. The care home is made up of one two storey building compromising an additional mezzanine floor. The service is also registered to provide care and support for people living in 13 independent attached apartments. However, there was no one using the supported living service at the time of our inspection. The home also provides a ‘day care’ service to people who require respite during the day. The CQC does not regulate this part of the service.
People’s experience of using this service:
People felt safe using the service.
Staff recognised the risks to people’s health, safety and well-being and understood how to recognise and report abuse.
People received support from staff when needed.
Staff recruitment processes included background checks to review their suitability to work with vulnerable adults.
People received support with their medicines. Regular checks were undertaken to ensure people received the correct medicines by staff who were competent to support them.
Not all areas of the home were clean and staff did not always follow best practice when storing cleaning equipment.
The registered manager ensured staff had training to meet people’s needs and guidance on people’s needs was shared through supervision meetings and staff meetings.
People were supported to have enough to eat and drink to maintain their well-being.
People were supported to obtain advice from healthcare professionals, which was incorporated into people’s care.
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.
Staff understood the importance of supporting people with empathy and compassion and provided reassurance when people became anxious.
People were treated with dignity and their independence was promoted wherever possible.
People were involved in planning their care with support from staff.
Staff supported people with activities that reflected their interests.
People and their families understood how to complain if they wanted to.
People’s care was reviewed and reflected people’s needs.
Some quality assurance processes were not effective.
The registered manager was open and honest, and worked in partnership with outside agencies to improve people’s support when required.
Rating at last inspection:
The last inspection was a focussed inspection which reviewed the areas of Safe and Well-led. It was rated Good (report published 11 April 2017).
Why we inspected:
This was a planned comprehensive inspection that was scheduled to take place in line with Care Quality Commission scheduling guidelines for adult social care services.
Follow up:
We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk