This inspection was unannounced and took place on the 21 and 22 December 2015. The service was previously inspected in June 2014 when it was found to be meeting all the regulatory requirements which were inspected at that time.
Astbury Mere Care provides both accommodation and personal care for up to 62 older people, whom have residential, nursing and / or dementia care needs. It is located in Congleton, East Cheshire. The service is provided by Porthaven Care Homes Limited.
The home is a two story building with 62 single rooms equipped with en-suite facilities. The dementia unit is upstairs and nursing care is provided downstairs. There are four lounges, a private dining room, two dining areas, laundry and hairdressing salon. There is a garden at the rear of the building and several smaller sitting out areas around the building.
Sixty people being accommodated at the time of the inspection.
At the time of the inspection there was a registered manager at Astbury Mere Care home. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
The manager was present during the two days of our inspection and engaged positively in the inspection process. The manager was observed to be friendly and approachable and operated an open door policy to people using the service, staff and visitors. During the two days of our inspection we found Astbury Mere Care Home to have a warm and relaxed atmosphere and overall people living in the home appeared happy and content.
Feedback received from people using the service and relatives spoken with was generally complimentary about the standard of care provided. People living in the home and their relatives told us the manager was approachable and supportive.
We found that the home was properly maintained and ensured people’s safety was not compromised.
Staffing levels were structured to meet the needs of the people who used the service. There were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet people’s needs.
Staff recruitment systems were in place and information about staff had been obtained to make sure staff did not pose a risk to people using the service.
Staff were supported through induction, regular on-going training, supervision and appraisal. A training plan was in place to support staff learning. Staff told us they were well supported in their roles and responsibilities.
A process was in place for managing complaints and the home’s complaints procedure was displayed so that people had access to this information. People and relatives told us they would raise any concerns with the manager.
There was a quality monitoring system in place which involved seeking feedback from stakeholders and people who used the service and their relatives about the service provided periodically. This consisted of surveys and a range of audits that were undertaken throughout the year.
The registered provider had policies and systems in place to manage risks and safeguard people from abuse. Staff were aware of the whistle blowing policy and they told us they would use it if required. Staff told us they were able to speak with the manager if they had a concern.
Medicines were ordered, stored, administered and disposed of safely. People using the service had access to a range of individualised and group activities and a choice of wholesome and nutritious meals. Records showed that people also had access to GPs, chiropodists and other health care professionals (subject to individual need).
Corporate policies were in place relating to the MCA (Mental Capacity Act (2005) and DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards). We found a small number of staff were not fully aware of which people using the service were subject to a DoLS and were in need of training in respect of these provisions. We have received assurances from the registered manager that action will be taken to address these issues.
We have made a recommendation for the care planning system to be developed and fully reviewed to ensure people’s needs, support requirements and risks are appropriately assessed, identified and planned for using a person centred approach.