About the service Allenbrook is a care home, the service provides personal care with nursing where assessed as needed to predominately older people, although can accommodate younger adults. The service can also accommodate people with dementia. Allenbrook is registered to accommodate 34 people. 27 people lived at the service when we visited.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
We found that some people’s medicines were not managed safely to ensure people received them in accordance with their health needs and the prescriber's instructions. In addition, some medicines had no written protocols in place to inform staff on how to prepare and administer. We found audits undertaken had not identified issues with medication management.
People were supported by staff that were caring, compassionate and treated with dignity and respect. People felt comfortable in the company of staff who supported them. Concerns or worries were listened and responded to and used as opportunities to improve. Staff were aware of the risks to people and how to manage those risks.
People received person centred care and support based on their individual needs and preferences. Staff were aware of people's life histories and individual preferences. They used this information to develop positive, meaningful relationships with people. Staff were very knowledgeable about people’s changing needs and people and their relatives confirmed that changing needs were addressed.
People told us they felt well cared for by staff who treated them with respect and dignity and encouraged them to maintain relationships and keep their independence for as long as possible. People could maintain friendships and contact with families, and when needed had access to advocates.
People were supported by staff who had the skills and knowledge to meet their needs. Staff understood and felt confident in their role. People told us since the change of ownership the atmosphere at the home was more relaxed and calmer.
Staff liaised with other health care professionals to ensure people's safety and meet their health needs. Where people lacked capacity, staff worked with the local authority to make sure they minimised any restrictions on people's freedom for their safety and wellbeing.
Staff spoke positively about working for the provider and had seen improvements since the change of ownership. They felt well supported and that they could talk to management at any time, feeling confident any concerns would be acted on promptly. They felt valued and happy in their role. Staff had received an induction that provided with the training, information and support they required to effectively and safely meet people’s needs.
More information is in Detailed Findings below.
Rating at last inspection:
The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 31 October 2018). Since this rating was awarded the registered provider of the service has changed and the provider has altered its legal entity. We have used the previous rating of requires improvement and enforcement action taken to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.
Why we inspected:
This service was registered with us on 22/10/2018 and this is the first inspection under the new legal entity.
Enforcement:
We have identified a breach in relation to safe care and treatment at this inspection. The provider responded to the concerns on the day of the inspection and provided additional information after the inspection.
Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.
Follow up:
We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk