Aspen Court

Updated 7 November 2020

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

The service had been identified for use by the Local Authority as a designated care setting in response to the Winter Plan for people discharged from hospital with a positive Covid-19 status. This inspection was to ensure that the service was compliant with infection control and prevention measures.

This inspection took place on 22 October 2020 and was announced.

Updated 7 November 2020

About the service

Aspen Court is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 53 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 63 people and is arranged over three floors. The service provides care to people living with dementia.

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

People were well-supported by staff who ensured they lived in a safe, clean and comfortable environment which was suited to their needs. Staff were adept at administering people’s medicines. They knew people’s personal risks and what actions to take to prevent accidents and incidents occurring in the home. Lessons had been learnt by the provider and the manager and changes had been implemented.

Staff had undergone pre-employment checks to assess their suitability to work in the home. They had been provided with an induction and training. Additional support to staff was provided through supervision meetings with their line manager.

Staff worked well with other professionals to meet people’s needs. People enjoyed their meals and their individual diets were catered for. One person said, “The meals were nice.”

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 were kind to people. They protected people’s dignity, respected their wishes and promoted their independence. Staff listened to relatives about people’s needs.

People’s care plans were up-to-date, accurate and included people’s choices and preferences. The plans were regularly reviewed and included changes to people’s needs and their wishes about their end of life care.

The manager had recently provided additional hours to improve the activities in the home. A weekly activities plan was in place. Individual activities were displayed on notice boards. Staff changed the plan to meet people’s choices when required.

People and their relatives liked the new manager. The manager had appropriately addressed concerns and complaints. The manager evaluated the effectiveness of the service using auditing and surveys and made the necessary improvements.

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 (published 3 June 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.