Three Gables Residential Care Home

Updated 24 March 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 care homes with outbreaks of COVID-19, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice is safe and that services are compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has 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 10 March 2022 and was unannounced.

Updated 24 March 2022

About the service:

Three Gables is a residential care home that was providing personal care for up to 19 people aged 65 and over, some living with dementia. At the time of the inspection, 16 people were using the service. Two of these people were staying at the service on a short-term basis, otherwise known as respite.

People’s experience of using this service:

We saw lots of improvements had been made from the previous inspection with regard to audit processes and people’s documentation. Care plans were now up to date with people’s needs, preferences and routines so that staff had guidance in how they should be supported.

People told us they felt happy and safe at the home. There were enough staff to meet their needs and they were recruited in a safe way. Risks to people had been identified and reviewed regularly and staff knew what support was needed to minimise risks. Regular checks were completed on the environment to ensure it was safe for people to live in. People also received their medicines safely from staff that were knowledgeable and trained to do so.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and processes in the service supported this practice.

Staff had received a variety of different training courses to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs. Their skills were regularly assessed through supervision, competencies and observations of the care they provided.

People’s nutritional and hydrational needs were met. They told us they enjoyed the food and there was lots of choice. We observed meal times to be a social experience for people, with a cheerful and engaging atmosphere. Staff made appropriate referrals to health and social care professionals to seek advice about people’s needs and wellbeing.

Everyone we spoke to was consistent in their views that staff were kind and caring. One person said, “I’m very lucky living here. Staff are lovely and very helpful.” A relative also told us, “We really feel like we’ve found a diamond here. They seem to love my relative. Everyone is very kind and gentle.” Staff knew people, their support and needs and preferences well and promoted person centred care.

Although there had not been any official complaints, the registered manager and staff told us this was because they talked to people all the time and addressed concerns quickly. People were confident that any concerns they had would be managed well and relatives were also knowledgeable of who they could speak to. People’s communication needs were known to staff and additional tools provided to help people communicate their decisions.

People, relatives and a professional told us that they thought the service was well-led. The registered manager reflected that working in partnership was important to improve the lives of people and were keen to promote continued learning and growth.

Rating at last inspection:

The service’s previous inspection was rated Requires Improvement. (Published June 2018) At this inspection, concerns had been addressed and the rating had improved to Good.

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

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