Ullswater Cottage

Updated 2 June 2023

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 completed by 1 inspector.

Service and service type

Ullswater Cottage is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Ullswater Cottage is a care home with 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. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.

We spoke with people, relatives and staff and gathered information relating to the management of the service. We reviewed a range of records. This included 4 care plans. We spoke with 2 people living at the service. We also spoke with 7 members of staff, including the nominated individual, the registered manager, a registered nurse, the chef, care staff and ancillary staff. We spoke with 3 relatives over the telephone.

Updated 2 June 2023

About the service

Ullswater Cottage is a 'care home'. It is registered to provide care and accommodation, including nursing care, for up to 10 people and there were 9 people living at the service when we inspected. The service provides care, accommodation and rehabilitation for people with an acquired brain injury (ABI).

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

People received personalised care and support specific to their needs and preferences. A relative told us, “The manager is very knowledgeable and that comes across t the staff as well. They have provided excellent care to my [relative].” People were protected from the risks of harm, abuse or discrimination because staff knew what actions to take if they identified concerns. There were enough staff working to provide the support people needed. Staff understood the risks associated with the people they supported. Risk assessments provided guidance for staff about individual and environmental risks. People received their medicines safely, when they needed them.

Care was person-centred and promoted people’s dignity, privacy and human rights. People’s individual needs and choices were recognised, and respected. This had been effective in supporting people to achieve goals and facilitate their rehabilitation.

Quality monitoring systems had been embedded and morale was good amongst the staff team. We received positive feedback in relation to the care people received and how the service was run.

Staff had the skills and knowledge to meet people's needs and preferences. They received training, regular supervision and attended team meetings to support them in their roles. People's nutritional and hydrational needs were met. There was regular involvement from health and social care professionals.

We observed a kind and caring culture. People and relatives spoke positively about the support staff gave to people. We observed positive interactions between people and staff throughout the inspection.

People’s care plans were personalised and gave staff the information they needed to support people. We saw people were supported with their communication needs and their preferred activities in accordance with their care plans.

People received good care that met their needs and improved their wellbeing. The staff team were dedicated and enthusiastic.

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

This service was registered with us on 17 December 2021 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on when the service first registered with us.

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.