Glenesk Care Home

Updated 31 August 2022

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 carried out by one inspector 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.

Service and service type

Glenesk 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.

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 manager in post who had submitted their registered managers application to CQC.

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 as well as the information shared with us by the local authority, such as details of the safeguarding concerns that had been raised. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

During the inspection

We also spoke with five people who used the service and nine relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the cook, senior care staff, care assistant, manager and the provider’s representative.

We reviewed a range of records. This included four people's care records and medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. We reviewed training data and the provider’s quality assurance records.

After the inspection

After the inspection we continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We reviewed a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including the provider's policies and procedures, and the provider’s quality audits.

Updated 31 August 2022

About the service

Glenesk is a care home that provides personal care for up to 22 people in one adapted building. It is registered to provide a service to older people who may be living with dementia or physical disability. At the time of the inspection 21 people lived at the home.

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

Safety and privacy concerns were identified in regard to electric plugs and the layout of the managers station within a communal area. Records for testing water outlets was not clear.

Risk to people’s care needs were monitored and managed effectively. Medicines were administered in a safe way and improvements seen through the introduction of a new electronic system.

Enough staff were available to respond to people’s needs in a timely manner. Staff were following current government guidelines for wearing face masks. Accident and incidents were investigated, and measures were in place to prevent recurrence. People were cared for by staff that protected them from avoidable harm.

Staff completed an induction, received relevant training and supervision support for their roles. People’s needs were assessed, and people were involved in their care planning. People’s choices and preferences were adhered to. People were supported to have sufficient to eat and drink and had a calm and enjoyable dining experience.

The service worked well with agencies and other professionals to provide effective care. The provider was working towards a refurbishment plan to ensure the building would be maintained to a high standard. The provider was working in line with the principles of the mental capacity act.

The care people received was tailored to their individual needs. Care plans reflected people’s needs, their preferences and their choices. People were supported to maintain good well-being and reduce the risk of social isolation.

The service had systems in place to monitor and share continuous learning. The management team showed leadership and were clear about their roles and responsibilities. We received positive feedback about the management of the service from people, families and staff. There was a positive culture throughout the service. The management team was open and honest, encouraged people and families to be involved.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection and update

The last inspection was inspected but not rated, published on 15 February 2022. The previous inspection was requires improvement published 16 March 2020. Where we issued a warning notice in relation to regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

The provider completed an action plan after the previous inspection published 16 March 2020 to show what they would do and by when to improve.

At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

Why we inspected

We undertook this focused inspection to check whether the Warning Notice we previously served in relation to Regulation 17 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 had been met. The overall rating for the service has changed following this inspection.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Glenesk on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

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.