Background to this inspection
Updated
28 January 2022
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 carried out by three inspectors and an Expert by Experience. 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
The Manor House 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.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced on the first day. We gave the provider advance notice of our second site visit.
What we did before inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with 14 people who used the service and 11 relatives and friends of people about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 19 members of staff including the regional manager, the acting manager, the deputy manager, senior care workers, care workers and the chef. The regional manager sent out questionnaires to staff on our behalf. Eight staff responded to our survey. We reviewed 14 people’s care plans.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at testing data and the outcome of complaints.
Updated
28 January 2022
About the service
The Manor House is a residential care home providing personal care to 60 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 76 people. The home is purpose built with one of the areas on the ground floor specialising in providing care to people living with dementia.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The service was well decorated, clean and comfortable throughout. The area of the home designated to care for people living with dementia was not in keeping with best practice guidance for people living with this condition. We have made a recommendation about the environment.
People’s mealtime experiences together with the management of food required attention. Although there was no harm caused to people, we have made a recommendation to review the provision of food.
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 and their relatives told us the service provided safe care. Checks were carried out on staff before they began working in the home. The provider had taken steps to recruit additional staff and used agency staff when required. Risks to people were assessed and actions taken to prevent accidents and incidents. The management team review incidents and share learning.
Staff were caring towards people. They understood people’s needs and promoted their dignity and independence.
Staff were provided with guidance on how to meet people’s needs through detailed care plans. People were given the opportunity to engage in an activities programme. Complaints about the service had been appropriately addressed. Staff had discussed with people and their relatives how they wished to be cared for towards the end of their life.
The management team in the service carried out quality audits to assess standards in the home. Staff told us the culture in the staff team was improving and suggested further improvements. People, their relatives and staff were given opportunities to be involved in the service. There were good working arrangements with other professionals.
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 22 July 2019 under a new owner and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection as the service had not been rated under the new owner.
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.