Blackbrook House Care Home

Updated 17 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 COVID-19 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 9 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 17 April 2021

About the service

Blackbrook House Care Home provides care and accommodation for up to 28 people, some of whom live with dementia. Accommodation is provided over three floors which are accessed by a lift. There are communal areas such as lounges, and dining areas and the home has substantial gardens.

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

People told us they felt safe and relatives felt people were safe. Systems were in place to respond to any safeguarding concerns and staff were knowledgeable about how to report any concerns. Staff were confident any concerns would be dealt with appropriately and swiftly by the registered manager. Staff were recruited safely and there were enough staff deployed to meet people’s needs.

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’s needs were assessed and if needed referrals made to healthcare services.

Staff received training and had updates as needed. Staff felt well supported and had opportunity for supervision. Meal times were unhurried, and people had the support they needed. There was a choice of meals and plenty of drinks available throughout the day. Systems were in place to monitor people’s nutritional intake and take action where needed.

People told us, and we observed staff were kind and caring. People were treated with dignity and respect. People’s individual preferences were recorded in their care plan and staff knew people’s needs well. Visitors were welcomed at any time and offered refreshments.

People’s care was responsive to their needs. Where people required additional monitoring, this was carried out and recorded. Care planning reviews were held regularly, and people could have relatives present if they wished. The service provided end of life care and worked with local healthcare professionals to make sure people were comfortable.

Quality assurance systems were in place which identified areas for development and improvement. The registered manager had action plans in place to drive improvement.

People’s views were sought, and action taken in response to feedback given. There was a positive culture at the service where staff were encouraged to voice their opinions and share ideas. Staff morale was good, and people, relatives and staff told us the service was well-led.

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 (published 10 February 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.