Balmore Country House

Updated 6 February 2024

Balmore Country House is a residential home providing personal and nursing care to up to 76 people. The service provides support to older people, some of whom may be living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 33 people using the service. Balmore Country House was last rated inadequate (published 25 January 2024). We found significant concerns in relation to people’s medicines, quality of care, the safety and cleanliness of the home and the overall management. The report was published following CQC’s old inspection approach using key lines of enquiry (KLOEs), prompts and ratings characteristics. This assessment has been completed following the Care Quality Commission (CQC) new approach to assessment; Single Assessment Framework (SAF). We carried out our on-site assessment on 27 February 2024. This was an unannounced assessment. During this assessment we spoke with 11 people and 10 relatives and asked them for their views on the quality of the care provided. We spoke with a wide range of staff including; care staff, domestics, the maintenance person, nurse and management. During this assessment we looked at 17 quality statements. We assessed some but not all quality statements at this visit which means we use the ratings from the previous inspection to rate the key questions of safe, caring, and well-led.

Updated 6 February 2024

People and relatives told us there had been improvements to the quality of care provided. Most felt there were enough staff in place and they knew how to report any concerns about their or others’ safety. People were supported by enough trained and competent staff, and they received their medicines safely. People were cared for in a safe and clean environment. People and relatives said they felt involved with decisions about the care provided. People and relatives praised the staff and their kind and caring approach. People received dignified care and treatment in accordance with their assessed needs. This included having support with attending health appointments. This helped people to maintain and in many cases improve their health. 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; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People and relatives told us they knew how to raise their concerns and were confident the registered manager would respond to address any issues they raised. People and relatives felt the home was well managed.