Longlands

Longlands Care Home provides personal and nursing care for up to 51 people in one purpose-built facility. The service provides support to younger and older people and people with sensory impairments, physical disabilities and dementia. At the time of inspection, 41 people were using the service.

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

Systems and processes to ensure good oversight of the service were not always effective in identifying concerns or rectifying issues.

We have made a recommendation to review staff training and understanding in the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. 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. However, the policies and systems in the service did not support this practice.

Risks assessments required additional information to ensure staff understood the risks, and mitigating strategies were followed. Records of tasks completed to mitigate risks were not consistently recorded.

Care plans required improving to ensure all of the information was detailed and up to date. Records of support offered was not consistently completed to evidence staff had followed care plans. Actions from health appointments or health concerns were not consistently recorded.

People, staff and relatives told us they were not always asked for feedback on the service. We received mixed views on information sharing.

The provider was in the process of recruiting new staff. However, people, relatives and staff had concerns over the number of temporary (agency) staff used. The use of agency staff impacted on the recording of support offered to people, information being shared with relatives and how well staff knew people.

People lived in a homely, clean environment. Bedrooms were personalised and people had access to multiple communal rooms. People were able to choose to take part in activities, stay in their room or go into a communal room for company.

People were supported to access their medicines safely. Staff were trained and understood the best practice guidance on administering medicines. Medicine records were appropriately completed.

People were protected against abuse. Staff were trained and understood how to recognise and report any potential abuse. Injuries were recorded and actions taken when appropriate.

People were supported by staff who showed a genuine interest in them. People told us staff were kind and caring. Staff promoted people’s privacy, dignity and independence.

People were supported with any communication needs they have. Care plans included how a person communicated and any aids that were required to facilitate effective communication.

People were supported to stay in contact with significant people in their lives. Visitors were welcomed into the home.

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

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 10 October 2020 and this is the first inspection.

The last rating for the service under the previous provider was rated good (published 10 April 2020)

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

You can see what action we have asked the provider to take at the end of this full report.

Enforcement and Recommendations

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to monitor the service and will take further action if needed.

We have identified breaches in relation to oversight of the service at this inspection.

Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.

We found the following examples of good practice.

People were supported by staff who had received infection prevention and control (IPC) training, had their competencies assessed and reviewed regarding donning and doffing. All staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and this was disposed of safely. Staff changed their clothes before and after each shift at the service.

The service was cleaned to a high standard, cleaning of all areas including high touch areas had been completed regularly throughout the day. The home was well laid out and supported social distancing. The home appeared clean with no odours.

The provider's infection control policy was being followed and the service adhered to additional best practice guidance. The registered manager completed regular IPC audits to maintain oversight and ensure correct procedures were in place and being completed. The service completed a programme of regular testing for people, staff and visitors according to Government guidance.

Risk assessments had been completed and mitigating strategies were in place for people and staff regarding individual risk factors of COVID-19.

The provider had an admissions policy in place, and we found evidence this was being followed. People were supported to self-isolate as required.

People were supported to stay in contact with friends and family. The service had multiple rooms for visiting and external areas to meet outside.