The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Belvoir House in Norwich good following an inspection in March.
Belvoir House, run by Belvoir Healthcare Ltd, is a residential care home providing personal care to older people and younger adults, some of whom live with dementia.
The CQC inspection has been prompted by a review of the information held about this service. The last rating for this service was inadequate. The service has been in special measures since 25 July 2022.
Previously the service was rated as inadequate overall and for being safe and well-led. The service was also rated as requires improvement for being effective caring and responsive.
During this recent inspection Belvoir House was rated as good overall and good for safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
Hazel Roberts, CQC deputy director for operations in the East and London, said:
“Following our inspection of Belvoir House, we found a significant change for the good. We saw a person-centred culture for people using the service where staff engaged, listened and knew people well.
“People received individual one to one support which included activities outside of the home for example going out to places of their own choice to eat, a trip to look at the boats at the nearby marina and Christmas shopping trips.'
“We found staff were attentive to people, gently supporting them whilst encouraging independence. One person had wanted to water plants in a communal lounge and staff had helped them to do this in a way which supported the person's independence. A relative told us ‘caring has gone from zero to 100 per cent’.
“We heard from relatives that staff would take a person out for breakfast or a meal to encourage their appetite. Staff were also receiving immersive training helping them to experience for themselves what it is like to be a resident receiving care at the home.'
“The care home had built up relationships with the local community. Local schools, and intergenerational activities were set up such as a homework club in the service. A relative said, ‘It is wonderful, animals are allowed in Chester the dog comes in, children come in once a week and the residents relate to the children.’
“We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service and look for war dot find what further improvements have been put in place when we next inspect.”
Inspectors found the following:
- People at the care home were supported to have as much choice and control over their own lives as possible with staff promoting independence.
- Staff worked with external healthcare professionals and offered people food and drink that met their needs and preferences.
- Care plans were now person centred and people were at the heart of activities planned around their wishes and needs.
- Each bedroom people now had an 'About Me' information sheet which contained details about their life history, family, interests, and care needs.
- People could choose the member of staff they wanted to be their key worker.
- Staff were quick to identify and respond to people when they needed help.
- Staff were attentive to people, gently supporting them whilst encouraging independence.
- The involvement of people and relatives in care planning has improved. This had ensured that care plans now contained detailed guidance for staff that was person centred.
- There was a significant increase in the activities on offer to remove social isolation and people and families praised the range of activities available.