Dean House

Updated 12 March 2022

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 COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 24 February 2022 and was announced.

Updated 12 March 2022

This inspection took place on 18 October 2017 and was unannounced.

The last inspection took place on 5 September 2016. As a result of this inspection, we found the provider in breach of four regulations, in relation to person-centred care, need for consent, nutrition and hydration needs and good governance. We asked the provider to submit an action plan on how they would address these breaches. An action plan was submitted by the provider which identified the steps that would be taken. At this inspection on 18 October 2017, we found the provider and registered manager had taken appropriate action and these regulations had been met. As a result, the overall rating for this service has improved from 'Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’.

Dean House is a residential care home registered to provide accommodation and care for up to 27 older people, some of whom are living with the early stages of dementia. At the time of the inspection, 23 people were living at the home. Dean House is situated close to the seafront in a residential area. Communal areas include a living room, dining room, conservatory and accessible gardens. A lift and two staircases provide access to the first floor.

A registered manager was in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People told us they felt safe living at the home and that staff supported them well. Staff had been trained to recognise signs of potential abuse and knew what action to take in relation to any safeguarding issues. Risks to people were identified, assessed and managed appropriately. Risk assessments provided detailed advice and guidance to staff on how to mitigate risks. Staffing levels were within safe limits. Robust recruitment systems ensured new staff were vetted as needed before they came to work at the home. Medicines were managed safely.

Staff had a good understanding of the legislation in relation to mental capacity and protecting people’s liberty and put this into practice. Capacity assessments for people had been completed as needed and applications made to the local authority where it was felt people were deprived of their liberty. People received a choice in what they wanted to eat and drink. Nutritious meals were provided and people told us they enjoyed the food on offer. People had access to a range of healthcare professionals and services and spoke positively about the home. Staff had completed a range of training that enabled them to carry out their roles and responsibilities. They had regular supervision meetings and staff meetings also took place.

People were looked after by kind and caring staff and positive, friendly relationships had been developed. Staff engaged with people appropriately and had time to spend with them. People spoke highly of the staff who looked after them. People were encouraged to be involved in decisions relating to their care and were treated with dignity and respect.

People were asked for their views in the organisation of activities and a range of activities was on offer. Some people felt there was a lack of outings into the community and told us they would like to go out more. This is an area that needs improvement. Care provided was responsive to people’s needs and delivered in a person-centred way. Care plans were detailed and contained information for staff on people’s personal histories, care and support needs. Complaints were managed in line with the provider’s policy.

People and their relatives felt the home was well run. People were asked for their views about the home through residents’ meetings and questionnaires. People felt involved in developing the service. The registered manager was popular with staff and staff felt valued working at the home. Staff were asked for their feedback through employee questionnaires. Systems were in place to measure and monitor the care delivered and the service overall.