We carried out a review of the data available to us about Blencathra House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Blencathra House, you can give feedback on this service.
Blencathra House is a care home providing personal care to up to 30 people. The home provides support to older adults and people living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 28 people living at the home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The registered manager and staff were open and honest, in dealing with concerns raised. The manager was competent and met required regulatory responsibilities. There was a positive culture within the home that people and their relatives had commented on. Effective governance systems were in place to ensure oversight and monitoring of the home. However, we did identify some recording issues.
We have made a recommendation about record keeping.
Staff knew how to protect people from abuse and avoidable harm. Medicines were managed safely and risks to people were managed by staff following suitable risk assessments. The provider carried out the relevant assessments on the home to ensure people were safe to live there. Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs and staff were recruited safely. Staff followed infection prevention and control guidance to minimise risks related to the spread of infection and the home was kept clean.
People were offered choices during mealtimes and enjoyed the food provided in the home. The home ensured people had access to health care professionals when required and any necessary referrals were being made.
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 and their relatives told us people received good care from staff who were friendly and kind.
Care plans were up to date, regularly reviewed and person centred to ensure people’s preferences and choices were being upheld. People were encouraged to visit the home and spend time with their loved ones. People told us they enjoyed the activities provided within the home and often went out on trips.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection and update
This service was registered with us on 14 February 2023, and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
We carried out an unannounced comprehensive inspection of this service on 23 and 26 May 2023.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.