Lilliput House

Updated 22 July 2021

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check on a specific concern we had about staff skills, training and risk management within the home.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

Lilliput House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with six people who used the service and two relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with nine members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager, care co-ordinator, head of care, senior team leader, care assistants and activities co-ordinator. We made general observations around the home noting the interactions between staff and people living at Lilliput House.

We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care records in relation to risk management. We looked at two staff files in relation to staff supervision, performance management and training.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 22 July 2021

About the service

Lilliput House is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 54 people aged 65 and over. At the time of the inspection the home was supporting 42 people. It does not provide nursing care. The home is on three levels with access via stairs and a lift. There is a secure, level access outside space.

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

People were happy living at Lilliput House. One person said, “It’s heaven.” People felt safe and well cared for. Staff understood the risks people faced in their day to day lives and were skilled in working with them to minimise those risks.

People’s desired outcomes were known, and staff worked with people, relatives and relevant professionals to help achieve and review these with their consent. Staff had received the necessary induction, ongoing competency checks and training to help them meet people’s individual needs. People were encouraged and supported to retain their independence, maintain or develop new interests and live their lives as they chose. People enjoyed the varied activity programme.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and 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’s specific communication needs were known, respected and met.

People were encouraged and supported to maintain contact with those important to them including family, friends and other people living at the home. Relatives were welcomed and felt listened to and involved. Staff and people were observed enjoying meaningful and respectful interactions. Staff knew people well including their preferences, abilities and achievements.

The manager had recently joined the home and was actively promoting a supportive, open and transparent culture. Management and staff understood their roles and responsibilities. Staff enjoyed working at the home and were supported to professionally develop. Annual surveys gave people, relatives, staff and visiting professionals an opportunity to express their views and contribute to improvements. Management felt supported and empowered by the two directors who regularly visited the home.

Quality and safety checks by the manager and senior staff helped ensure people were safe and protected from harm. This also ensured that practice standards were maintained and improved. Audits helped identify areas for improvement with learning from these shared with staff.

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about staffing levels, staff attitudes, poor moving and handling practice, continence care and timeliness of response to people’s needs. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks. We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from this concern.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 24 January 2018).

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.

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