19 November 2014
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on 19 November 2014 and was unannounced which meant the provider and staff did not know we were visiting. The last full inspection took place on 5 July 2013 during which we found the service was meeting the regulations we looked at.
Allingham House Care Centre provides nursing and personal care for up to 86 older people, some of whom were living with dementia. The home accommodates people over three floors. There were 84 people living at the home on the day of our inspection.
The home is required to have a registered manager. At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager who had been in post since the home opened in 2012. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
The registered manager had kept us informed of safeguarding incidents and other notifiable events which had occurred in the home in line with their statutory obligations.
We found the home to be well maintained, clean, and had relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The registered manager and deputy manager had a positive presence within the home and were well received by people who used the service, their families and staff.
People and their families told us they were happy to speak with staff if they had any concerns.
People we spoke with, who lived at Allingham House said, “The staff are kind, I like the banter I can have with them” and “I don’t really have to wait long if I call them, nothing is too much trouble.”
We conducted observations on all three levels of the home and on each level saw people were treated equally and with respect. Staff were patient and took time to listen to the people they were supporting.
We found the mealtime experience was pleasant and consideration was given to the dietary requirements for people of the Jewish faith.