- Care home
Bank House Care Home
Report from 13 January 2025 assessment
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
This assessment began on 21 January 2025 and was concluded 12 February 2025. Bank House Care provides accommodation and personal care to up to 43 older people, some of whom live with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 25 people living at the home. The inspection was prompted in part by notification of an incident following which a person using the service died. This incident is subject to further investigation by CQC as to whether any regulatory action should be taken. As a result, this inspection did not examine the circumstances of the incident. However, the information shared with CQC about the incident indicated potential concerns about safe moving and handling by staff and the use of equipment. This inspection examined those risks. We looked at 15 quality statements: under the safe and well-led domains. On-going improvements were being made to management systems providing better oversight of the service, helping to identify areas of improvement and learning. The registered manager continued to work with relevant agencies to help improve the management and administration of people’s medication. Referrals were made to other agencies where additional advice and support was needed to help meet people’s health care needs. Staff spoke positively about working at the home. Staff were safely recruited, and a programme of training was provided. We identified some staff had gaps in training and a more formal system of staff supervision was needed. Servicing and checks of the home and equipment had been completed. Whilst the home was clean and tidy, considerable work was still required to enhance the environment. These areas were identified in the homes improvement plan. The provider was previously in breach of legal regulations in relation to the management and administration of people’s medicines and good governance. Improvements were found at this assessment and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.
People's experience of this service
We spoke with 5 people who use the service and 6 relatives and friends of people living at the home. The atmosphere within the home was calm and relaxed. We observed good interactions between people, their visitors and staff. One person told us, “The staff are friendly and welcoming, they engage in conversation, they are wonderful.” People told us they felt safe with staff when supported with the aid of equipment, such as hoists. One person told us, “They [staff] know what they are doing, I’ve no problems with the care. They look after me and I like it.” A new activity worker had been appointed. Activities and opportunities were to be developed offering variety to people’s daily routine. Improvements were also being explored to the Wi-Fi network, so people have better access to equipment, enabling and promoting their independence and choice. People and their relatives acknowledged the change in management and felt improvements were being made, including staff arrangements. People who had lived or visited the home for some years told us, “Its much improved since [registered manager] came” and “It’s much better, staff turnover settling.”