The Care Quality Commission
  • Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Spencer House

Spencer Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9EZ (01843) 841460

Provided and run by:
Spencer House

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

12 December 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with six people in detail and four other people briefly about life at Spencer House. All were happy, many used the phrase 'it is my home now'. Some people said 'I think it is wonderful, staff are so nice. They ask each day about dinner, and cook something different if you don't fancy the main. 'The food is always excellent, and there is a lot of it'. The menu showed a range of varied fresh food was available. Personal dislikes were noted. The kitchen was clean and well-stocked.

Everyone we spoke with said they felt safe and trusted the staff and managers. Every person said they see the managers throughout each day and know they can tell them if there is a problem. We found that problems had been resolved quickly, one person said 'When I first came here, I grumbled about the laundry, and they did it the way I liked it from then on'.

A relative told us they felt reassured their loved one was at Spencer House. Both said they had been 'surprised and delighted how homely and fuss-free' the place was. Everyone we spoke with said they felt respected. One person said 'if there is a problem, we have consultation; no decisions are made without me'. Records showed that personal wishes and preferences were written down, and reflected what people had told us.

Everyone said that the home was clean, safe and tidy. Staff told us that maintenance matters were quickly resolved. We saw records that showed all safety checks were carried out on time.

27 November 2012

During a routine inspection

There were 20 people using the service. We met and spoke to most of them and everyone we spoke with said that they were happy living at Spencer House.

People told us that they felt safe and well looked after. People looked relaxed, comfortable and at ease with each other and staff. One person said 'I couldn't be better looked after, everything is wonderful.'

People said that the home was clean and that their bedrooms were kept clean. One person said 'It is very clean; you will not find a spot of dirt.'

People said that they thought the staff were kind and caring. One person said 'I like this place, I am quite happy here' and 'It couldn't be better and the staff couldn't be nicer.'

People said that they had enough to do and enjoyed the organised activities and said 'I enjoy the weekly sing song.' People said that the food was good and that they always had a choice. One person said 'They will get you anything you want' and 'I do not eat poultry so I always have an alternative. I like omelettes.'

People's health needs were supported and the service worked closely with health and social care professionals to maintain and improve people's health and well being. One person said 'I have as much freedom as is safe, which I like.'

2 February 2012

During a routine inspection

Everyone we spoke to said that they were happy with the service. No one had any complaints.

Everyone we spoke to said that the staff were kind and caring. One person said 'The staff are very good natured and charming'

Another person said 'It is absolutely wonderful here. I cannot tell you how wonderful they have been. The wonderful gentleness and care is all I could want. They never rush; they always spend time with me. They treat me like a human being'.

People expressed that they felt that there were sufficient staff in place and that staff were caring and responsive. One person said 'They would do anything for you. Nothing is too much trouble'.

People who use the service expressed that they felt safe. We saw that people were relaxed in the company of each other and staff.

Everyone said that the home was clean and that their bedrooms were kept clean. People said they the laundry service was good. One person said 'The standards are very high; in fact it is over cleaned'.

Everyone we spoke to said that the food was good or very good. One person said 'The food is wonderful, very sensible for older people. It is well presented. I prefer to eat in the dining room with the others, but you can eat in your room'.