15 June 2023
During an inspection looking at part of the service
Beaconsfield Court is a residential care home providing the regulated activity accommodation for people who require nursing or personal care to up to 32 older people, including people who may live with dementia or a dementia related condition. At the time of our inspection there were 29 people using the service in one adapted building.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People and relatives were complimentary about the care provided by staff. They trusted the staff who supported them. They said staff were kind, caring and supportive of people and their families. A relative told us, "The home is excellent. I’m confident the care is consistent. Personal care is fine", and "Staff are friendly, they always chat to [Name]. Always somebody coming and going. Plenty of activity."
There were sufficient staff to support people safely. A person commented, "Staff pop in frequently with a cup of tea. There are always people around. I engage with the staff really well", and "Attention from staff is prompt.”
Records provided guidance to ensure people received safe, person-centred care and support from all staff members. Risks were assessed and mitigated to keep people safe. Staff contacted health professionals when people’s health needs changed.
Staff received safeguarding training and were clear on how and when to raise their concerns. Where appropriate, actions were taken to keep people safe. Staff recruitment was carried out safely and effectively. Medicines were managed safely.
An infection control system was in place. However, not all areas of the home were clean and well-maintained and there were signs of wear and tear.
We have made a recommendation about continuing with the refurbishment programme ensuring the appropriate environmental design to meet all people’s needs.
People's diversity as unique individuals with their own needs was respected by staff. The staff team provided support discreetly and with compassion. They respected people’s privacy, and people were supported to maintain contact with relatives. A relative commented, “We can rest in peace knowing that our [relative] is well looked after.”
There was a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere at the service. Staff spoke very positively about working at the home and the people they cared for. Relatives and staff said communication was effective to ensure they were kept up-to-date about any changes in people’s care and support needs. A relative told us, "I can contact the home at any time. Carers take the calls and pass them on. They’ve got their finger on the pulse at the home. It’s like a family. Gives peace of mind and quality of life.”
There was a strong and effective governance system in place. People, relatives and staff were confident about approaching the registered manager if they needed to. They recognised that their views and feedback were valued and respected and used to support service development. Strong processes were in place to manage and respond to complaints and concerns.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 23 March 2018).
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.
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.
Recommendation
We have made a recommendation about continuing with the refurbishment of the environment and ensuring it is appropriately environmentally designed.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.