- Care home
Blackwell Care Centre
Report from 3 December 2024 assessment
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of Assessment: 9 December to 17 December 2024. The service is a nursing home providing support to older people, including those living with dementia and nursing needs. At the time of this assessment there were 36 people living at the service. The service had made improvements and is no longer in breach of regulations. Risks to people were now assessed and mitigated and medicines were managed safely. The provider had embedded effective governance systems in place to monitor the quality of the service, including systems to ensure safe staffing levels. Staff provided person centred care. The service had a positive learning culture and people felt able to raise concerns. Incidents were well managed, and learning from incidents was shared. People were protected from the risk of potential abuse. The service was clean and well-maintained. There were enough suitably trained staff. People had enough to eat and drink and staff worked well together. Staff also worked with relevant healthcare professionals to ensure people’s health and wellbeing needs were met. There was a good understanding of consent, and the service worked in line with the Mental Capacity Act (2005). People were cared for by kind and caring staff who promoted people’s independence where possible. Staff and leaders had a good understanding of equality, diversity and human rights. End of life care was discussed and planned for appropriately. Leaders were visible, approachable and led by example, displaying the provider’s values.
People's experience of this service
People and relatives reported improvements in the service since our last assessment. One relative told us, “The whole place feels brighter.” And “There has been a big change in team spirit with staff.” People and relatives were overwhelmingly positive about the quality of their care. They said, “I have no concerns whatsoever about her safety and wellbeing at Blackwell.” “Can’t fault the care. Everyone is so lovely, the home is very clean, provides the best care and the best meals. The quality of all staff is excellent, and they create a family atmosphere.” And “It’s a lovely home. [Relative] is totally happy here.” They felt safe and were fully involved in planning their care. Everyone we spoke with described how staff treated them kindly and as individuals. One telling us, “I was immediately impressed by the friendly staff.” People and relatives felt staffing levels were safe to meet the needs of people using the service, “I believe there are sufficient staff to provide regular observation and therefore I’m assured that staff levels are safe.” They also told us there were a range of activities to keep them entertained. People and relatives had positive relationships with the staff and leadership team, telling us the communication was excellent, and their feedback was listened to. They felt staff worked well together, and collaboratively with relevant professionals. Some people could not directly tell us about their experience. We used a structured observation tool to assess whether they received good care. This approach showed staff consistently interacted positively and patiently with people.