Background to this inspection
Updated
16 April 2021
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.
As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.
This inspection took place on 23 March 2021 and was announced.
Updated
16 April 2021
Tarrant House provides accommodation and personal care for up to seven people who have a learning disability, physical disability and health care needs. There were seven people living at the service. The service was as domesticated as possible. People had their own spacious rooms and the use of a comfortable communal area. Most people took their meals together in the dining room. There was a private rear garden which was not overlooked, with a patio area accessible for people with mobility needs.
The service is situated close to Perranporth on the north coast of Cornwall. People living at Tarrant House had access to all areas of the service. There were a range of suitable adaptations and mobility aids specifically designed to support people, both in the service and community.
We carried out a comprehensive inspection of Tarrant House on 2 October 2017. This was an announced inspection. We told the provider two days before our inspection visit that we would be coming. This was because we wanted to make sure the registered manager was there, as well as staff and people to speak with and access to records. At the last inspection the service was rated good. At this inspection the rating remained good.
People told us they felt safe living at Tarrant House. People's safety and well-being had been assessed by the registered and deputy managers. Risk assessments were in place to minimise any hazards and keep people safe. Where a loose blind cord was seen as a potential risk, immediate action was taken by the registered manager and staff were reminded of the need to be vigilant in their observations in the environment.
Most people had lived at Tarrant House for some time and staff were very familiar with their individual needs. Relatives told us, “It is no doubt due to the friendly ‘family’ atmosphere that the staff have created and maintained” and “Doesn’t feel like a home [residential].” There were clear lines of responsibility in place. The registered manager was supported by an assistant manager and senior support workers as well as a core staff team who had worked at the service for some time. The registered manager took an active role in the running of the service.
Four of the seven people were at the service on the day of the inspection. The atmosphere at Tarrant House was calm and friendly. Interactions between staff and people were kind and supportive. Staff described how they worked to support people to make day to day choices and enable people to lead a quality of life within the constraints of individual disabilities. They said, “We are here to make a difference in people’s lives” and “I get such a good feeling that I have made a difference to somebodies life after every shift. It’s a good place to work.”
There were sufficient staff to keep people safe. There were safe recruitment systems in place to ensure that staff were safe to work with people.
Staff told us they loved their jobs and felt they had all the support they needed to carry out their role. They told us, “We get a lot of support and always encouraged to share information or ask if we are not sure about anything” and “My induction and training really helped me to get into the role. It was a team effort.”
People were protected from avoidable harm. Staff received training in safeguarding adults and were able to demonstrate that they knew the procedures to follow should they have any concerns.
People's medicines were administered, stored and disposed of safely. Staff were trained in the safe administration of medicines and kept relevant and accurate records.
People's human rights were protected as the registered manager ensured that the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were followed. Where people were assessed to lack capacity to make some decisions, mental capacity assessment and best interest meetings had been undertaken. Staff were heard to ask peoples consent before they provided support.
Where people's liberty may be restricted to keep them safe, the provider had followed the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) to ensure the person's rights were protected.
The premises were well maintained, pleasant and spacious. People’s bedrooms had been decorated and furnished in line with their personal preferences.
People were supported to do things they enjoyed and keep in touch with those people who were important to them.
People had sufficient to eat and drink and .were offered choice which reflected their personal preferences.
People were supported to maintain their health and well-being and had regular access to health and social care professionals.
There were robust procedures in place to monitor, evaluate and improve the quality of care provided. Staff were motivated and aware of their responsibilities. The manager understood the requirements of CQC and sent in appropriate notifications. The registered manager made sure there was a focus on continuous development of the service.