Background to this inspection
Updated
8 November 2019
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 Care Act 2014.
Inspection team:
This inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type:
Tasker House 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. The service accommodates up to 28 people in one adapted building.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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.
The inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the 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 reviewed other information that we held about the service such as notifications. These are events that happen in the service that the provider is required to tell us about. We also considered the last inspection report and information that had been sent to us by other agencies. We also contacted commissioners who had a contract with the service. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection:
During the inspection, we spoke with six people who used the service and one relative. We also spoke with six staff members that included the provider, the registered manager, the deputy manager, two care and support workers and a housekeeper. We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.
We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care and medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection:
One relative contacted us by email to give us their views about the service.
Updated
8 November 2019
About the service:
Tasker House is a residential care home which provides care and support to people older people, some who may be living with dementia. It is registered to provide care for up to 28 people. At the time of our inspection there were 26 people living at the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found:
People were supported by very kind, caring and compassionate staff who often went the extra mile to provide people with good, high quality care. This high standard of care enhanced people's quality of life and wellbeing.
People were treated with dignity and respect in a way that truly valued them as individuals. The registered manager and all staff, whatever their role, were always prepared to go over and above their roles to ensure people received the care they needed and live full and meaningful lives. The staff and the management team were passionate about providing people with support that was based on their individual needs and wishes. As a result, their care was tailored to meet their exact needs.
The manager and the staff team strived for excellence and it was clear from our observations, what people told us and systems in place that they worked tirelessly to ensure people were cared for not only emotionally but physically.
People received safe care and were protected against avoidable harm, neglect and discrimination. There were systems in place to make sure the service was safe, with good staffing levels and skilled staff to deliver good quality care.
Risks to people were fully assessed and well managed. Staff had been safely recruited to meet ensure they were suitable to work at the service. People’s medicines were safely managed, and systems were in place to control and prevent the spread of infection.
People's care needs were assessed before they received a care package. Staff received an induction and ongoing training that enabled them to have the skills and knowledge to provide effective care.
People were supported to eat and drink enough. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and access healthcare services when required.
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.
Staff provided care and support in a caring and meaningful way. They knew the people who used the service well. People and relatives, where appropriate, were involved in the planning of their care and support. Care plans supported staff to provide personalised care. People were encouraged to take part in activities and interests of their choice. There was a complaints procedure in place and systems in place to deal with complaints effectively. The service provided appropriate end of life care to people.
The service continued to be well managed. The provider had systems in place to monitor the quality of the service; actions were taken, and improvements were made when required. Staff felt well supported and said the registered manager and deputy manager were open and approachable. The service worked in partnership with outside agencies.
Rating at last inspection.
The last rating for this service was Good (published 23 June 2017)
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Tasker House on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.