Friary House

Updated 14 April 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 COVID-19 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 25 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 14 April 2021

Friary House is a residential care home registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 16 people in Weymouth. At the time of our inspection there were 15 older people living in the home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Staff had a good understanding of how to safeguard people and how to raise concerns either internally or externally if they suspected harm or abuse. There were enough staff to meet people’s current and emerging needs. A dependency tool was used monthly to ensure that staffing levels continued to match the needs of the people living there. People’s individual risks are assessed and reviewed. People are 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 support this practice.

People were supported to have choice throughout their day and have care in line with what they needed and wanted. People expressed confidence in the skills and competence of the staff supporting them. Where people lacked capacity to make particular decisions they were supported by staff who were trained and worked in line with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Staff consistently demonstrated a kind and caring approach towards people. Interactions were unhurried, attentive and friendly. People were encouraged and supported to maintain their independence. Staff understand what each person could still do and how much support they wanted to accept. People were respected and treated as individuals with distinct preferences, likes and dislikes.

People produced their own monthly newsletter which is widely distributed and read. People and relatives told us this created a sense of community and ownership over what happened at Friary House. People and relatives said that they feel listened to and are confident that anything they raise is resolved. One person said, “I’m so happy here. I’ve only got to ask for something and it’s done.”

There was a positive and open culture at the home where everybody’s views were considered. Staff felt supported and that their work was recognised. They received regular supervision where they received both praise and suggestions where they could improve their practice. The home had established good working relationships with health professionals who were helping people to stay well for longer and prevent unnecessary admission to hospital.

Further information is in the detailed findings below