Archived: Westwinds Residential Home

The provider had good procedures for preventing visitors from catching or spreading infection. The service was in recovery from a Covid -19 outbreak and, in line with guidance, all but essential visiting had been suspended.

Prior to the outbreak the provider had set up a visiting area, where people and their visitors could safely communicate. Visitors had their temperatures taken and were provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). People sent letters, used FaceTime and video conferencing to speak with their families, friends and with health care professionals, where appropriate.

All staff and people in the home had received a vaccination just before the Covid-19 outbreak. No one had refused the vaccine.

The staff team had supported people to isolate during the outbreak of Covid-19 and people had understood the reasons for isolating. Everyone in the home had recovered from the virus and no longer needed to isolate. Good arrangements were in place so that people kept a safe distance in lounges and in the dining room.

The provider had safe procedures when they were ready to admit people to the home. This would include negative Covid-19 test results before admission and isolation in bedrooms after moving to the home.

The staff and the people who lived in the home had been tested routinely. Testing had continued where staff and people did not have the virus. The provider tested staff weekly and people had tests every 28 days. The provider had started to give staff a flow test at the start of their shift so that they could be assured that staff were not bringing the virus into the home. Any staff showing symptoms or showing positive after a flow test went home and had further testing.

The home was clean and hygienic. Rigorous systems were in place to ensure good levels of hygiene. There were cleaning schedules in place and other systems to ensure good infection prevention and control measures. The provider used sealed bag systems for infected products that helped reduce cross infection. Staff understood how to use and dispose of personal protective equipment.

Arrangements had been put in place to ensure the staff could return to work safely. This is a small home with an established team who supported each other. One of the directors of the company had worked in the home during the outbreak to support the registered manager and the team. Staff welfare was given a high priority.

At the last inspection the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People were supported by sufficient numbers of staff who knew them well and were focussed on promoting their independence and happiness. Staff received on-going training, supervision and support to develop the skills and expertise required to undertake their roles.

A wide range of interesting and meaningful activities were available to people and relationships with the local community were well established. These measures all promoted people's social interactions, well-being and self-esteem.

Staff were caring and treated people with dignity and respect and ensured people's privacy was maintained, particularly when being supported with their personal care needs.

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 systems in the service support this practice. Promoting and maintaining people's independence was a key feature of the home.

Staff worked closely with external professionals to promote people's physical and mental well-being. People's medicines were managed safely and in the way they preferred. People were supported to have a balanced diet that met their cultural and health needs.

Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff had received training in safeguarding vulnerable adults. Staff knew how to recognise abuse and told us they would report any concerns.

The registered manager provided good leadership. Staff told us they felt they were listened to and valued by the registered manager and provider.

There was a complaints policy which was available in an easy read format and complaints had been responded to and resolved appropriately.

Regular checks and reviews of the service, including the environment, continued to be made to ensure people experienced good quality, safe care and support.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

They told us that they received good levels of care and support and that they were very happy with all of the staff team. They also said that they enjoyed the activities, outings and parties in the home. One person said:

"We have a lot of fun here..."

Other people said:

"We all get on well here and we had a lovely garden party in the summer and now we are planning our Halloween party."

We spoke to a visiting health professional who rated the home as "excellent."

People told us they liked the food and were given as much choice as possible. We were told by the people we spoke to:

"The food is excellent...plenty of choice and good home cooking, nice home made soup and home baking."

"The food is marvellous and I eat very well...".

The home was adapted and extended from two houses and all areas were clean, orderly and homely. We asked the provider to look into updating the arrangements around fire safety and we also asked Cumbria Fire and Rescue to assist them with these matters.

The home had suitable equipment to help people who might have difficulties with moving around.

New staff were recruited to ensure that they were suitable to care for vulnerable older people.

The service kept good records that allowed the service to run smoothly.

"I am never forced to do anything...I might be persuaded but the staff do things the way I want."

People in the home received personal and health care that met their needs. They had activities and outings and people were happy with the environment, the food they received and the way the staff treated them.

"I am so glad I came here...I lived somewhere else and what a difference. The manager and staff here have time for us all. They give us the care and attention we all need."

Medicines were managed carefully in this home with secure storage, good records and regular reviews of people's need for medication.

The home was appropriately staffed for the needs of the people living in the home. The staff team were experienced and well trained.

People in the home were able to voice any concerns and knew how to make a formal complaint. One person said:

"There is no need really as there is nothing to complain about and the manager can often guess if I am not happy and will ask me. So any small things are sorted out before they become complaints. I don't have any thing that worries me here."