Swallows Meadow Court

Updated 29 April 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC's response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 16 April 2021 and was announced.

Updated 29 April 2021

About the service

Swallows Meadows Court is a care home providing personal and nursing care for up to 70 people. There are four units providing residential and nursing care to people who may be living with dementia. The home also specialises in providing end-of-life care. At the time of our inspection there were 65 people living at the home.

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

People were very happy with the care they received at Swallows Meadows Court. People knew the staff will and felt safe being supported by them. Staff understood how to support people in order to keep them safe and to minimise any risks to their health and well-being. People had access to staff were needed. Systems were in place to recruit staff to the home and to check on their background to assure the provider of their suitability to work at the home. Accidents and incidents were monitored and changes made to people’s care where necessary.

Assessments was undertaken prior to people moving to the home. Staff received comprehensive support in terms of their training and development. People are supported to maintain healthy lifestyle. Staff understood when to escalate concerns and source further medical support when needed. 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 did not support this practice.

People liked the staff supporting them. The management team promoted an inclusive environment for both people and staff. People were encouraged to maintain their independence and dignity.

People contributed to their care planning. People’s care was regularly reviewed and updated. People were encouraged to take part in activities and hobbies of their choice. People understood they could complain if they needed to and felt assured that action be taken should they need to complain.

The registered manager was well thought of by both people and staff. Staff reported an open environment where they were supported to reach their potential. The management team at the home were working with families to improve how families were able to access the management team. The registered manager worked with other registered managers to improve their knowledge and improve on best 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 (22 August 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

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.