Eachstep Blackburn

Updated 27 September 2024

Date of assessment: 10 and 16 October 2024. Eachstep Blackburn is a purpose built care home located near the centre of Blackburn. The home provides residential, and nursing care up to a maximum of 64 people. Accommodation is provided over three floors and all bedrooms are single with an ensuite toilet and shower room. The assessment was carried out in response to concerns we had received from various sources, including healthcare professionals working with the service. We received concerns in relation to the management of people’s medical needs and record keeping. We assessed all the quality statements from the safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led key questions and found areas of good practice. The assessment of these 5 key questions indicated areas of improvement since the last inspection, our overall rating has changed to good. The service had made significant improvements. However, the provider needed to take, and took, immediate action to ensure robust procedures for the administration and management and storage of medicines were followed and all care plans guided staff on how to effectively support people.

Updated 27 September 2024

People told us they were happy and safe living at Eachstep Blackburn and were treated with kindness by the staff. Relatives told us their family members received effective care and they are consulted on the support delivered. One relative said, “My husband has just had an assessment. They [management] always make sure I am up to date and ask me if I have any concerns.” Relatives and friends spoke positively about the caring support staff offered. One relative stated “[Family member] is flying, doing well. I’m so happy they are here.” We observed people were happy in the company of staff and management. Activities took place that engaged people and made them feel valued. We observed when people became confused, staff made eye contact, spoke clearly and engaged in the person’s reality fostering positive relationships. When people became distressed, we observed staff knew how to offer effective support, offering a hand to hold, or a cup of tea, a chat about holidays or a game of football.