Background to this inspection
Updated
4 August 2023
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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
An inspector and an Expert by Experience undertook the inspection. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
Lola’s House Residential Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Lola’s House Residential Home is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Registered Manager
This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.
At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with 4 people who were using the service and 2 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 3 members of staff, the registered manager, the cook, and the owners. We reviewed a range of records. This included 3 people’s care records, numerous medication records and 3 staff recruitment files. A variety of records relating to the management of the service were reviewed.
Updated
4 August 2023
About the service
Lola’s House Residential Home is a residential care home providing personal care to up to 32 people in one adapted building. At the time of our inspection there were 15 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Risks to people were assessed and their safety monitored and managed. However, two people who had recently moved to the home had not had all their risks recorded, and information in the fire safety ‘grab bag’ had not been updated. We discussed this with the registered manager who confirmed immediately following the inspection that these concerns had been rectified.
We have made a recommendation about timeframes for completing and updating risk assessments.
Safeguarding systems and processes had been developed, implemented and communicated to staff. There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff to support people to stay safe and meet their needs. Medicines were administered and managed safely. People were protected by the prevention and control of infection. The home was clean and tidy and odour-free. Staff meeting minutes showed discussions were held when things went wrong and information about improvements were shared.
People's needs and choices were assessed, and care was delivered to support people's best outcomes. Care plans were person-centred. Staff were recruited with the necessary skills and qualifications and were trained to deliver effective care and support. A thorough induction had been prepared for all new staff. A programme of supervisions and appraisals had commenced. People were supported to eat and drink to maintain a balanced diet. People enjoyed the dining experience and were encouraged to eat. Staff worked well together and with visiting professionals. Good working relationships had been built between the service and health professionals, and people were supported to regular access to healthcare services and support. People had been involved in, for example, choosing floor coverings during the programme of refurbishment. Consent to care was sought in line with legislation and guidance, and this was recorded. Staff had received MCA training and consulted with people before delivering care. 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.
People were treated with kindness, respect, and compassion. People had emotional support care plans in place. Staff had found ways to communicate with people newly moved to the service whose first language was not English. People were supported to express their views and were involved in making decisions about their care, where possible. Staff respected people's decisions. People's privacy, dignity and independence was respected and promoted. Care plans described how to support people to maintain their independence, wherever possible.
People received personalised care and their choices, likes and dislikes were recorded and monitored. People enjoyed parties, sitting in the garden, and were supported to access the community. People and relatives said their concerns were listened to and acted upon. People and relatives felt they knew the managers well and could speak with them to raise any issues and were confident these would be acted upon. People had been supported to discuss their end-of-life care.
Although the new owners and managers had been in place for a short period of time, there was a commitment to improve and promote a positive, open, and inclusive culture within the home. The registered manager had instilled a culture of openness and transparency. Regular and planned checks took place across all aspects of the service to ensure managerial oversight. Regular staff meetings had commenced, with clear agendas and meeting minutes. Staff were able to contribute and discuss ideas. People and relatives were regularly spoken with; the owners and the registered manager knew people well. There was an invested commitment to continuing improvements, working with local authority and other professionals.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 11 April 2023 and this is the first inspection. The last rating for the service under the previous provider was inadequate, published on 15 December 2022.
Why we inspected
This is the first inspection for this service.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.