Allensmead

Updated 19 February 2019

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on the 23 July 2018, and was unannounced. The inspection team consisted of one inspector.

The provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. Prior to the inspection we reviewed this and other information we held about the service, we looked at the previous inspection report and notifications received by the Care Quality Commission. A notification is information about important events, which the provider is required to tell us about by law.

We spoke with one person using the service; we spent time observing care in the lounge area. We also spoke with the registered manager, deputy manager and one support worker. We reviewed one person’s care files. We also looked at quality monitoring, audit information and policies held at the service and the service’s staff support records for the members of staff including the registered manager.

Updated 19 February 2019

The Inspection was carried out on Thursday 23rd July 2018 and was unannounced.

This service is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Allensmead accommodates people in one adapted building. At the time of our inspection there was one person using the service.

At the previous inspection the service was rated Good overall with Requires improvement in Well-Led. Since our last inspection the service has change location from the county of Kent to Essex. At this inspection we have rated the service Good overall.

The service’s recruitment process ensured that appropriate checks were carried out before staff commenced employment. There were sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of people and keep them safe from potential harm or abuse. People’s health and wellbeing needs were assessed and reviewed to minimise risk to health. People’s medication was managed well and records of administration were kept up to date.

People were cared for and supported by staff who had received training to support people and to meet their needs. The registered manager had a good understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People were supported to eat and drink enough as to ensure they maintained a balanced diet and referrals to health and social care services was made when required.

Staff cared for people in an empathetic and kind manner. Staff had a good understanding of people’s preferences of care. Staff always worked hard to promote people’s independence through encouraging and supporting people to make informed decisions.

Records we viewed showed people and their relatives were involved in the planning and review of their care. Care plans were reviewed on a regular basis and when there was a change in care needs. People were supported to follow their interests and participate in social activities. The service responded to complaints received in a timely manner.

Staff and people spoke very highly of the registered manager and the provider who they informed to be supportive and worked hard to provide an exceptional service. The service had systems in place to monitor and provide good care and these were reviewed on a regular basis.