Lime Court Care Home

Updated 1 December 2018

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on the 13 November 2018 and was unannounced. The inspection team consisted of two inspectors 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.

Before the inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We reviewed previous reports and notifications that are held on the CQC database. Notifications are important events that the service must let the CQC know about by law. We also reviewed safeguarding alerts and information received from a local authority.

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 also spoke with the registered manager, the head of care and care staff. We looked at a range of records including two staff files, four people's care plans and other records relating to the management of the home. We also observed people in the main lounge/dining area during meal and activity times.

Updated 1 December 2018

Lime Court Care Home is a purpose built care home that provides personal care and support for up to 44 older people some of whom may be living with dementia. There were 38 people using the service at the time of our inspection. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Staff had been safely recruited and there were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet people's needs in a way which met their preferences and promoted their independence. People told us they felt safe. Staff had received training in the protection of adults and knew what action they should take if they suspected or witnessed abuse.

Medication was administered by staff who had received training to do so. Sufficient numbers of staff met people’s needs.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice. The service worked well with other professionals to ensure that people's health needs were met. People had sufficient amounts to eat and drink to ensure that their dietary and nutritional needs were met. Staff were well trained and attentive to people's needs.

Some elements of the environment required updating and the registered manager provided information that this was planned. We have made a recommendation about improving the environment for people living with dementia.

The staff were caring. The atmosphere in the home was calm and friendly. Staff took their time and gave people encouragement whilst supporting them.

Records we reviewed showed people and their relatives were involved in the planning and review of their care. Care plans were reviewed on a regular basis and when there was a change in care needs. People were provided with the opportunity to participate in activities which interested them at the service. These activities were diverse to meet people’s social needs. People knew how to make a complaint should they need to. People were provided with the appropriate care and support at the end of their life.

People could choose the activities they liked to do. The provider had arrangements in place to respond appropriately to people's concerns and complaints.

Systems were in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service. Audits of the premises helped ensure the premises and people were kept safe.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.