Farmhouse Care Home

Updated 27 May 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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.

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 one inspector.

Service and service type

Farmhouse Care Home is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

During the inspection

We spoke with eight people who used the service and six relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with six members of staff including the nominated individual. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider. The registered manager, senior and care staff.

We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at five 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 provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records. We spoke with two health professionals who regularly visit the service.

Updated 27 May 2022

About the service

Farmhouse Care Home is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 20 people. The service provides support to older people some of whom may be living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 13 people using the service. Farmhouse Care Home provides care in an adapted building close to the local village centre. The home has bedrooms over two floors and shared living spaces on the ground with accessible outside areas.

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

People told us they felt safe. However, improvements were needed in some areas. We could not be assured risks associated with people’s needs were always assessed appropriately or managed. Relevant recruitment checks were not always safe. For one person a full employment history had not been obtained.

We were assured that most infection prevention and control practices were in line with current guidance. However, some improvements were required.

People were supported by staff who knew them well. Staff we spoke with were enthusiastic about their jobs and showed both care and understanding for the people they supported.

Systems were in place to protect people from abuse. Staff we spoke with were aware of how to identify, prevent and report abuse. There were enough staff deployed to keep people safe. There were plans in place for foreseeable emergencies.

Medicines were stored safely and securely, and procedures were in place to ensure people received their medicines as prescribed.

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’s privacy and dignity was respected and promoted. Staff understood how to support people in a sensitive way, while promoting their independence. People told us they were treated with dignity and respect.

There were effective systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided.

Safety and maintenance checks for the premises and equipment were in place and up to date.

Staff felt supported in their roles and received regular support and one to one sessions or supervision to discuss areas of development and enable them to carry out their roles effectively.

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. People enjoyed going out in the community.

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.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection and update

This service was registered with us on 2 December 2019 and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good, published on 21 August 2018.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of information we held about this service.

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, which will help inform when we next inspect.