We carried out a review of the data available to us about Riverview Care Home 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 Riverview Care Home, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
People, staff and visitors to Riverview Care Home were protected from the risks of infection as policies, systems and staff practices reflected national best practice guidance. Staff had received infection prevention and control training and training on using PPE safely. The provider completed spot checks to ensure staff were following IPC processes safely. The provider told us that staff felt confident and competent in managing infection prevention and control. A member of staff commented on the provider saying they had, “kept all the residents and staff safe. They have done an absolutely wonderful job.”
People living at the service had been supported to understand the virus, national guidance and how to keep themselves and other people safe. Learning for people met their individual needs including pictorial, video and audio to ensure they were able to engage and understand about coronavirus and keeping safe. People had been supported to understand and become accustomed to staff wearing additional PPE. Staff supported people to learn about effective hand washing and provided continual reminders about social distancing. One person needed to attend a hospital. When they returned home, staff supported them to learn how to wear a mask in communal areas to protect other people from the risk of infection. The provider and the person told us how proud they were that they had been able to achieve this. The service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in relation to all Covid-19 processes.
People and staff were tested regularly in line with government guidelines. At the time of the inspection people and staff were free from Covid-19 and there had been no cases of Covid-19 at the service throughout the pandemic.
Robust visiting measures had maintained people’s safety and ensured their family relationships were not affected. There were three regular visitors and they had agreed to become part of the home's bubble and underwent weekly testing. They also undertook a rapid Covid-19 test before entering the home, answered screening questions and had a temperature check. Plentiful supplies of PPE for visitors, hand sanitiser and guidance posters further promoted people’s safety. Drive-through visits were person centred and these and garden visits took place throughout the summer and into the autumn. The provider had purchased insulated outdoor clothing for people to ensure they remained warm and able to enjoy spending time with their family member in the garden.
People made regular phone calls and video calls to their loved ones. The creation of social media closed groups, with people’s consent, ensured family and friends were kept up to date and continued to feel part of their family member’s life.
A detailed analysis of safe places people could visit included walks in the countryside, visits to the sea and going to feed the ducks or getting a takeaway milkshake from a local farm café. The provider and staff had also worked with people to design a programme of activities within the home to ensure people could continue to do the things they enjoyed. Some of these recreated external activities such as ‘The big night in’ disco. The provider said, “There is always something to look forward to.”
The home was making a ‘pandemic documentary’. This innovative initiative was originally started to ensure people didn’t, as the provider described it, “lose a year of their lives”. However, whilst people were living different lives during the pandemic, the thoughtful approach and engagement with people meant that the documentary had become a record of how the service had been able to innovate and grow in a very different direction because of the pandemic. The provider told us, “We have tried to make something really positive, about something so negative .”
The home was visibly clean, uncluttered and well ventilated. There were robust cleaning schedules in place. Cleaning products used were in line with government guidance and there was a plentiful supply of hand sanitiser throughout the home. Regular audits also ensured the premises were kept safe from the risk of infection through cross contamination.
Riverview Care Home is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Riverview Care Home accommodates up to six adults with a learning disability. There were six people living there when we inspected. Accommodation is situated on the ground and first floors of a house in a rural area on the outskirts of Bournemouth. The kitchen and lounges are on the ground floor. The first floor is accessed by stairs.
The service is managed by its owner, supported by a team of staff.
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
People, relatives and professionals were pleased with the standard of care and support at Riverview Care Home. The spoke highly of the caring approach of the provider and staff.
People were treated with kindness and compassion in their day-to-day care. The provider and staff knew people well and showed concern for people’s wellbeing in a caring and meaningful way.
People were encouraged to express their views and be involved in decisions about their care. Where appropriate their relatives were also involved. The provider and staff had a clear understanding of people’s care needs and preferences, and respected these. People and those important to them had opportunities to feed back their views about the home and quality of the service they received.
People were given the information and explanations they needed, in a format they could understand. Care records flagged up where people had sensory impairments or communication difficulties. These issues were addressed in care plans, which were followed.
People’s rights were protected because the provider and staff followed the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Wherever people were able to give consent to various aspects of their care, this was obtained. People’s privacy was upheld.
People’s independence was promoted. Risks to people’s personal safety had been assessed and plans were in place to manage these risks in a way that minimised any restrictions.
People were supported to follow their interests and take part in social activities, education and work opportunities.
There were good links with the local community. People were encouraged and supported to develop and maintain relationships with people who mattered to them.
People had the support they needed to manage their health. The service communicated well with health and social care professionals.
People liked the food provided and made choices about what they had to eat. Their dietary needs and preferences were catered for. People had free access to the kitchen, with staff to support them.
Medicines were managed and administered safely.
People were protected against hazards such as slips, trips and falls, and from the spread of infection. The premises and equipment were kept clean and tidy. They were checked regularly and any necessary repairs were undertaken. Accidents and incidents were recorded and the provider monitored these to ensure necessary action had been taken to prevent further injury or harm.
People were protected against abuse. Staff had the knowledge and confidence to identify safeguarding concerns and acted on these to keep people safe.
There were sufficient staff on duty to provide the care and support people needed in the way they preferred.
There was a stable staff team, who had the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to carry out their roles effectively. They were well supported. Recruitment checks had been undertaken before they started employment to ensure they were of good character and suitable to work in a care setting.
The provider sought to foster a positive culture that was person-centred, open, inclusive and empowering. They had a well-developed understanding of equality, diversity and human rights, and worked regularly alongside staff to put this into practice.
People and staff had confidence the provider would listen to their concerns, which would be received openly and dealt with appropriately.
Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the quality of service being delivered.
The provider had notified CQC about significant events. CQC uses such information to monitor the service and ensure they respond appropriately to keep people safe.