Walmer Care Centre

Updated 23 March 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 was 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 11 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 23 March 2021

This inspection was carried out on 22 February 2018 and was unannounced.

Walmer Care Centre 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. Walmer Care Centre provides care for up to 37 older people with dementia. The service is arranged over two adjacent houses on the seafront near Deal. There are two residential floors in each building, with communal lounges and dining areas. There were 29 people living at the service when we inspected.

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.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

Why the service is rated Good

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 supported this practice. Potential risks to people’s health and safety were assessed and there was detailed guidance for staff to mitigate risk and keep people as independent as possible. People were able to follow their hobbies and interests and were supported to maintain relationships with people who were important to them.

People were supported by enough staff who knew how to recognise abuse and discrimination. Staff had been recruited safely and received the training they needed to support people safely. Staff received supervision and appraisals to discuss their training and development needs. Staff knew people well and the support they needed.

There was a mutual trust between people and staff. People’s privacy and dignity was respected. People, relatives and staff told us that there was an open and transparent culture within the service. The registered manager completed checks and audits on the quality of the service. Where shortfalls had been identified action plans had been implemented to ensure improvements. Accidents and incidents were analysed and used as learning experiences to reduce the risk of them happening again. People, relatives and staff attended regular meetings to discuss the service and raise any concerns they may have. People and relatives knew how to complain; any complaints had been investigated and used to drive improvements.

People’s care had been assessed before they came to live at the service in line with current guidance. Care plans gave staff clear guidance about how to support people in the way they preferred. Care plans were reviewed regularly to ensure people received the right support. People were asked how they would like to be supported at the end of their life, staff supported people and their family to ensure that their wishes were met. People’s care plans and other records were held securely.

The premises suited people’s needs and was clean. People were protected from the risk of infection. People received their medicines safely and when they needed them. People were supported to stay as healthy as possible including attending appointments with healthcare professionals and taking part in appropriate exercise. People had a choice of meals and these were prepared to people’s specific health needs.

The registered manager was experienced and skilled in supporting people living with dementia and continued to enhance their knowledge and skills. The registered manager had a clear vision for the service and this was shared by the staff. The registered manager worked with other professionals to ensure people had the support they needed and encouraged links with the local community.

The registered manager had notified the Care Quality Commission of events that were reportable.

The rating of ‘Good’ was displayed at the service and on the provider website.