Courtlands Care Home

Updated 6 November 2020

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.

This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

This inspection took place on 27 October 2020 and was announced. The service was part of a thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

Updated 6 November 2020

We carried out an unannounced inspection of Courtlands on 20 August 2018. Courtlands is a care home which provides care and support for up to 35 predominantly older people. At the time of this inspection there were 31 people living at the service. 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. The service is on two floors with access to the upper floor via stairs or a passenger lift. Some rooms have en-suite facilities and there are shared bathrooms, shower facilities and toilets. Shared living areas included two lounges, an open plan dining room with an adjoining conservatory. The service is situated in its own grounds with a large side garden area. However, as most people were living with dementia, they required support to access this due to its proximity to a main road. There was a separate administration building at the rear of the service.

The service is required to have a registered manager and at the time of our inspection a registered manager was in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People told us they were happy with the care they received and believed it was a safe environment. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed. People moved around the building choosing where to spend their time and who with. People had good and meaningful relationships with staff and staff interacted with people in a caring and respectful manner.

People’s risks were being managed effectively to ensure they were safe. Records showed where changes in people’s level of risk were. Care plans had been updated so staff knew how to manage those risks.

People received their medicines as prescribed. Systems and processes relating to the administration and storage of medicines helped ensure medicines were managed safely.

Care plans contained information about the person and what their individual needs were and how they would be met. Care planning was reviewed regularly and people’s changing needs were recorded. Daily notes were completed by staff responsible for people’s care.

There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Staff completed a thorough recruitment process to ensure they had the appropriate skills and knowledge. Staff knew how to recognise and report the signs of abuse. Formal systems for supporting care staff were in place.

The premises were arranged to meet people’s needs. People had access to quiet areas or could socialize with others in a sun lounge or the other two lounges.

Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff had a good understanding of how to identify and act on any allegations of abuse.

There was a variety of home cooked meals on offer and people told us they enjoyed their meals. When necessary food and fluid records were kept to help ensure people received enough to eat and drink.

Management and staff had a good understanding of the underlying principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

There was a system in place for receiving and investigating complaints. People we spoke with had been given information on how to make a complaint and felt confident any concerns raised would be dealt with to their satisfaction.

The provider had systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service.