Acer Court Care Home

Updated 4 February 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 27 January 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection.

Updated 4 February 2022

Acer Court is a residential care home providing personal and or nursing care to 73 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 78 people in one adapted building across three separate wings, each of which has separate adapted facilities. One wing specialises in providing care to people living with dementia.

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

Systems and processes were in place to ensure people were kept safe. Risks were monitored and managed with robust instructions to support staff to identify risk. Staffing levels were managed, but not always deployed appropriately. Consideration was given to ensure the right staff skill mix was in place. Medicines were managed in a safe way. People received their medicines as prescribed. Infection control was followed in line with legislation. Accidents and incidents were managed with corrective action taken and lessons learned.

We recommend the deployment of staff is regularly reviewed to ensure enough suitably qualified staff is available to meet people's needs.

People's needs were assessed, and this was reflected in their care plan. Staff were fully supported and received training that provided them with the skills to do their job. People were kept nourished and hydrated as meals and snacks were of a high standard. The provider had connections with the community and had a positive working relationship with other agencies and healthcare professionals. Individual needs around people’s mobility and wellbeing was met. Acer Court had a lovely warm friendly and homely environment, which was calm and relaxing for people. There were clear systems and processes to support people to access healthcare services. The managements and staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. They ensured best interest and decisions for people were met. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. 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 cared for by staff that demonstrated and promoted dignity and respect. People were supported to make decisions and staff respected their diverse needs. Where required people had access to information to help them have their voice heard by accessing an advocate or representatives to support them. People were encouraged to lead an independent lifestyle.

People received exceptional personalised care from staff who were knowledgeable and skilled to care for them. Visiting professionals felt staff focused on people’s individual care needs. Staff and the management team worked with passion and dedication and went above and beyond to achieve excellent outcomes for people. The service was creative and innovative in supporting people to live well independently, by using technology to support this. People were encouraged to keep in touch with family and make friends. There was a welcoming committee run by people in the home that supported people to settle into the home without disruption. Staff and the management team were passionate and dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for people. There was an open and transparent culture when dealing with complaints. End of life care was discussed with people and their wishes documented.

There was a clear positive culture throughout the staff team. People felt the home was well managed. We received overwhelming positive comments about the management of the service. The provider had good clear vision and values of how the service would run. Staff were passionate about providing high quality care. The service had received a number of awards for good practice in caring and employment. People and relative meetings were held regularly, and people could voice their opinions. There were good links with the local community that suits people preferences and choices. The registered manager was extremely proud of a process they had helped to develop and provide joined up care. Quality assurance was robust and a strong focus on continue learning. The registered manager and staff worked well with external healthcare professionals.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

The last rating for this service was Good (published 23 June 2016).

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Acer Court on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

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.