Shearwater

Updated 27 March 2021

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 care homes with outbreaks of COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on19 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 27 March 2021

About the service:

Shearwater is a care home registered to provide accommodation for up to 60 people. The service provides care to older people living with a cognitive impairment. Care was provided in a safe and dementia friendly environment. At the time of our inspection there were 48 people living in the home. The home provided support to people within smaller environments over three floors, with each floor having its own dining area, lounge and quiet social space. Regular staff and an assistant unit manager worked on each floor. However, people living at the service could access all three floors of the home if they wished to.

People’s experience of using this service:

The environment was warm and homely. Communal areas of the home had recently been re-decorated using calming colours and photographic wall paper to provide an environment that promoted people’s wellbeing.

People told us they were happy living at Shearwater. The staff team worked well together and knew people well. One person told us, “The staff are great.”

Appropriate recruitment procedures were in place to help ensure only suitable staff were employed.

Individual and environmental risks were managed appropriately. People had access to appropriate equipment where needed, which meant people were safe from harm.

People received their medicines safely and as prescribed. Appropriate arrangements were in place for obtaining, recording, administering and disposing of prescribed medicines.

Staff had received appropriate training and support to enable them to carry out their role safely. They received regular supervision to help develop their skills and support them in their role.

Staff recognised people’s individual needs and supported them to make choices in line with legislation.

Staff were motivated and proud of the home. Continuous learning was embedded in the home's culture.

There were meaningful activities available to people and research had been used to develop new ways of working that enhanced people’s wellbeing.

People and their families were involved in the development of personalised care plans that were reviewed regularly.

The registered manager and provider carried out regular checks on the quality and safety

of the service.

Rating at last inspection:

The service was rated as Requires Improvement at the last full comprehensive inspection, the report for which was published on 27 June 2018.

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection based on the previous inspection rating.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk