Care home ‘still needs to improve’
ABIRKDALE care home has been told it must improve by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Rowan Tree Lodge, on Dover Road, was inspected at the end of last month, and the CQC’s report rated it as “requires improvement” in three out of the five areas considered.
The CQC visit was unannounced following an inspection under previous management in April this year that found shortcomings in the care home.
New management has been in place since August, but, while praising some areas, the CQC found that there were still issues present.
The report said: “We could not improve the rating for ‘safe,’ as we found additional concerns.
“We will check this during our next planned comprehensive inspection.
“Aspects of the service’s fire safety and preventative care needed to be more robust to protect people.
“Further development of people’s ‘as required’ and ‘as directed’ medicines care plans was required to guide staff clearly and ensure timely administration.
“The service recorded and checked medicines appropriately. Cleanliness of the laundry had improved, some communal spaces and carpets needed attention.
“The provider had carried out repairs to the building.
“There were enough staff and those we checked had been recruited appropriately, although references needed clarification.
“Staff knew about safeguarding procedures and were confident to whistle-blow to other bodies if needed.”
The CQC said it could not improve the rating of the “responsive” category as additional concerns were found that will be checked at the next inspection.
The report said: “Information in people’s care plans was still not always consistent with the actual care staff provided.
“Information recorded in care plans did not always lead to timely intervention to meet the person’s needs.
“People told us about times when care was not person-specific and they did not always feel listened to.
“However, we also observed some good person-centred care and knowledge by staff.
“Listening to people and involving them in decisions over their care needed to become more natural and regular. Activities were still being developed.”
The rating of the “well-led” category was also unable to be improved.
The report said: “There was a new manager in post who was in the process of applying to register with CQC.
“People and relatives were still getting to know the new manager.
“Recording and monitoring tools were not always used effectively to ensure safe, quality care.
“This included checking of the environment, as well as the care people received and the planning of it.
“The area manager had improved care plan audits, however these had not always led to corrective action and needed further development.
“Regular meetings took place for residents, relatives and staff.”
But the ratings for whether the home was “effective” and “caring” were noted as being good.
Staff were praised for their understanding of people’s individual needs, were well trained and carried out their roles effectively.
The CQC added: “The home presented with a friendly and warm environment.
“People told us they care from polite and respectful staff. This we observed during the inspection.
“People and their relatives were included in decisions about their care and support.”