Penns Mount Residential Care Home

Updated 13 March 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 11 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 13 March 2021

Penns Mount residential home offers accommodation with care and support to up to 22 older people. (Nursing care is not provided by the service). At the time of this inspection there were 21 people living there. At the last inspection, the service was rated Good overall. However it was Requires Improvement in Effective because some people were not able to freely move around the premises because of locked doors. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

Why the service is rated Good

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. At the last inspection we noted security locks on doors at the bottom and the top of a staircase may have restricted some people from moving around the home. At this inspection we found people were able to go up and downstairs freely using the lift. Applications had been submitted to the local authority for authorisations where people may have been restricted to keep them safe.

People continued to receive a service that is safe. People were protected from abuse and discrimination. The staff had clear understanding of their responsibilities. The staff recruitment programme was robust to ensure that staff employed were suitable for the job. Sufficient staff were on duty to ensure that appropriate care was given in a planned and timely way. Risk assessments had been undertaken and potential risks were reduced or eliminated. A relative told us, “I have peace of mind after visiting Mum here. I know she is safe and will be well cared for.”

People received an effective service. The staff team were knowledgeable and received regular training and supervision to enable them to carry out their roles effectively. People were supported by staff to maintain their health and well-being and were referred to GP’s and health professionals promptly if a change in their health was noted.

People received an adequate and nutritious diet which took into account their individual tastes and dietary requirements. Comments from people included, “There’s a lovely menu here. It’s always a choice of a hot meal for lunch, and in the evening it’s either hot or sandwiches,” and “The food here is really good. I always eat in my room and that’s my choice”

People received a service that was caring. People who were supported by staff who had built caring and trusting relationships with them. Staff fully understood peoples care needs and treated them with courtesy and dignity. Care was delivered based on personalised care plans, with people (or their representatives) fully involved in decisions about their care.

People continued to receive a service that was responsive to their individual needs. Care plans described how the person wanted to be supported by staff. The plans were reviewed regularly. People could choose to undertake activities and were supported to do so where necessary. People could raise any concerns with the staff / managers, who carried out any appropriate actions. A person told us, “The staff here are very attentive. I don’t ever really need to use my buzzer, but when I do, they always come straight away”. A relative told us, “First impressions count, no smell and so very welcoming. The most striking feature about Penns Mount, however, is just how people centred the staff all are.”

People continued to receive a service that was well-led. The registered manager was available to listen to the views of people using the service and their representatives. The staff reported that they always felt able to approach the registered manager or owner if they had queries or needed support in their work. The registered manager monitored the service through a series of audits and from gaining feedback from the people.

Further information is in the detailed findings below