TWO residential care homes in Frome have received an overall rating of ‘good’ by the Quality Care Commission.
Rowden House and Critchill Court were given the summary and rating following an inspection that took place in June whereby inspectors assess five areas; safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership from management.
The inspector that visited Rowden House wrote in the report, “During the inspection there was a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere; staff and people living in the home were happy and at ease when they spoke with us. We observed friendly but professional banter, with staff discussing local news and topics of interest.”
One resident told the inspector, “It’s quite a cheerful place, they always have a smile and there is never a cross word.” A visitor said, “I am always welcomed, it’s more like visiting a family than a care home.”
In an earlier report, the CQC received concerns that care was not being carried out properly due to problems with staff shortages; however, this time the inspector found that although there are staff issues, “All staff had worked well as a team ensuring people received the care they required.”
Critchill Court also received a ‘good’ rating by the CQC inspector and wrote in their report, “People told us they felt safe because of the availability of staff and how they were always responsive to their requests for assistance and support.” One person told them, “It is really good here, so friendly and I feel safe because staff know what they need to do.”
They also found that, “Staff had an understanding of potential risks to people’s wellbeing and how to support people in alleviating such risks and responding to behaviour which could cause distress to the person or others.
“Risk assessments reinforced how staff could respond to identified risks as a result of people’s dementia such as aggressive behaviour or people being reluctant to accept personal care.”
The report also acknowledged a change in staff dynamic, saying, “After a period of change a registered manager was now in place and staff commented on the improvement in morale and how “the home has turned a corner”. Staff were optimistic about the future of the home and how it was improving.”
Full reports can be read at www.cqc.org.uk.
