We carried out a review of the data available to us about Margaret Allen on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Margaret Allen, you can give feedback on this service.
Margaret Allen House is a residential care home, registered to provide personal care for up to 15 people, some of whom are living with dementia. The home is located within walking distance of Tiverton town centre. The home has two floors with a lounge and dining room on the ground floor with bedrooms on both floors. All areas are accessible by a passenger lift.
There has been a change in owner and management of the service since the last inspection. The current provider was registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in August 2019.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People lived in a safe and clean environment. However, there was little signage or use of colour to support people living with dementia to be able to orientate themselves independently. We have recommended the provider seek advice and guidance on environmental adaptations for people living with dementia.
We received mixed feedback about the quality and variety of activities available to people. We have made a recommendation for the provider to seek advice and guidance on developing meaningful activities and occupation for people.
People and their relatives said they felt the service was safe. They were happy with the care and support provided. Comments included, “I like the kindliness, the warmth and the attention. They are there for you when you need them” and “We couldn’t ask for anything better. Everything is done to make it her home…”
People were protected from the risk of harm and abuse. There were safeguarding policies and procedures in place and staff were aware of their responsibility. Medicines were safely managed and risks to people health and well-being had been identified and action taken to reduce risks.
Sufficient staff were on duty to meet people’s needs and recruitment processes ensured people were protected from unsuitable staff.
People received care from staff who received appropriate training and support for their roles. People had access to health professionals to promote their health and well-being. They were supported to ensure they had enough to eat and drink. People enjoyed the meals provided at the service.
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 were treated with dignity and respect by staff who demonstrated a caring, kind and compassionate approach. Staff understood the needs of people and involved them and their relatives in the planning of care and support.
The service had an open and inclusive culture and people, their relatives and staff were positive about the way it was managed. The provider and manager had established quality assurance systems and regular audits were being completed. Issues identified were addressed in a timely manner.
Rating at last inspection (and update)
The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 14 November 2017). Since this rating was awarded the registered provider of the service has changed. We have used the previous rating to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.
Why we inspected
The new provider was registered with us in August 2018 and this is their first inspection at this location.
Follow up:
Going forward we will continue to monitor this service and plan to inspect in line with our reinspection schedule for those services rated Good.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk