Holly House Care Home

Updated 21 October 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 Act.

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 one inspector 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

Holly House Care Home 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.

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. 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 of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 12 people, four relatives and six staff, including the registered manager, deputy manager and care staff. We spoke with another two relatives and two staff over the telephone. We contacted four external health and social care professionals via email.

We observed interactions between staff and people in communal areas, including at lunchtime. We reviewed a range of records. This included three people's care records and medication records. We looked at two staff files. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures, were reviewed.

Updated 21 October 2022

About the service

Holly House Care Home is a residential care home situated in Washington. It provides accommodation and personal care for up to 40 people including adults over 65 and adults under 65. The service does not provide nursing care. At the time of our inspection 31 people used at the service, some of whom were living with dementia.

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

People felt at home, relaxed and well cared for. They were supported by staff who knew them well. They interacted warmly with staff and the atmosphere was welcoming and vibrant.

Risks to people's health and safety were assessed and regularly reviewed. Staff followed these plans to ensure people’s safety was maintained.

There were always enough staff to meet people’s needs promptly and calmly. There was no reliance on agency staff. People and relatives got to know staff well as a result.

The provider had safeguarding and whistleblowing policies and systems in place. Staff understood these and how to identify potential signs of abuse.

Staff worked proactively with external partners to keep people safe and review their needs.

The registered manager undertook a range of audits and analysis to look for patterns and trends. For instance, falls and incidents data.

The environment was clean and well maintained. The outdoor space was safe and well used for events such as fayres and parties.

Staff were recruited safely. The registered manager supported their ongoing competence and confidence with refresher training, supervisions and competence checks.

Medicines were stored and administered safely. Staff demonstrated a sound knowledge of people’s needs. Records were accurate, up to date and followed good practice.

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 nutritional needs were understood and feedback regarding meals was positive. Staff used nationally recognised tools to monitor risks associated with malnutrition.

Activities were varied, interesting and a balance of group and individual activities. Staff were empowered to encourage people to try new things.

The registered manager had made some strong initial community links since opening the service and had a range of plans for the future.

The registered manager was well respected by staff and external partners. Feedback from external specialists was extremely positive regarding the leadership of the service and how proactive they were.

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 7 September 2021 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

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

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.