Background to this inspection
Updated
17 November 2021
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was undertaken by two inspectors and an Expert by Experience who carried out phone calls. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
Gracewell of Sway is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
During the inspection
We spoke with six people who used the service and four relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with ten members of staff including the provider, registered manager, deputy manager, senior care staff, care staff, activity staff and the chef. We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records and multiple medicines records. We looked at four staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the registered manager to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records. We spoke with five professionals who regularly visit the service.
Updated
17 November 2021
About the service
Gracewell of Sway is a ‘care home’ providing personal and nursing care to 53 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 68 people some of whom may be living with dementia. Accommodation at the home is provided over three floors. There are large gardens and patio areas which provide a safe and secure private leisure area for people living at the home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People felt safe living at Gracewell of Sway and were very much at the heart of the service. We received consistent positive feedback from people and their families as well as health professionals. Feedback we received told us that the service went above and beyond and were extremely experienced at looking after people living with dementia. People received excellent care that was based around their individual needs and that ensured care was personalised and responsive.
People received outstanding levels of care. Staff developed exceptionally positive and caring relationships with people and their families. Staff were highly motivated and demonstrated a commitment to providing the best quality care to people in an individualised and compassionate way. People’s privacy and dignity was maintained at all times.
The service was extremely responsive to people’s needs and wishes. People were able to choose what activities they took part in and suggest other activities they would like to complete. We were told about many positive activities people took part in that improved their wellbeing.
People received outstanding end of life care and people experienced a comfortable and dignified death. Staff participated in end of life care training and worked closely with the local hospice.
There was good oversight of medicines. Medicines administration records (MAR) confirmed people had received their medicines as prescribed.
People were cared for by a motivated and well-trained staff team, who always put people first. Staff had the specialist knowledge and skills required to meet people’s needs. The home allowed people to bring their pets and people and their families gained great comfort from interacting with their pets at the home.
People were cared for with kindness, compassion and sensitivity. Care plans provided comprehensive information about how people wished to receive care and support. This helped ensure people received personalised care in a way that met their individual needs.
The home developed and promoted community involvement within the home. People, their families and staff took part in the many local community events.
Relevant recruitment checks were conducted before staff started working at the service to make sure they were of good character and had the necessary skills. There were enough staff to keep people safe. There were plans in place for foreseeable emergencies. Risks concerned with people’s health care and the environment were assessed and reduced as far as was practicable. The home was clean, and measures were in place for infection prevention and control.
People were supported with their nutritional needs. People received varied meals including a choice of fresh food and drinks. Staff were aware of people’s likes and dislikes.
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 were cared for by a motivated staff team, who always put people first. Staff received regular support and felt valued and listened to by management. Accidents and incidents were thoroughly investigated and learning from them shared amongst the team.
Positive links had been forged with local health and social care professionals to enhance the experience of people using the service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 10/10/2018 and this is the first inspection.
The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good, published on 12 April 2018.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on our inspection schedule.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
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.