Town Thorns Care Centre Enter and View Report

Approach used

Six Authorised Representatives arrived at the home unannounced, which means that no-one knew we were coming. We spoke to Acting Registered Manager, eight members of staff, eight residents and observed the care being given in the communal areas of the home, including the period over lunch.

Summary of findings

• We observed the physical environment of the home and found it to be generally well maintained and very clean.
• The people living at the home told us they were well looked after and happy living there.
• Laundry and care standards appear to be very high, evidenced by people’s clothes being clean and appropriate.
• Carers were responsive to the needs of individual residents.
• Residents were engaged in meaningful activity such as reading, writing and knitting.
• We observed the staff requesting consent before carrying out a range of activities. Staff seemed to know residents well and interacted in a respectful way.
• On the day of our visit we found the atmosphere of the home was quiet and calm.
• The quality of care provided by the staff appeared to be of a good standard and did not give any cause for concern.
• Staff were working well to meet the complex needs of some residents, in particular;
• Staff were carefully implementing the dietary advice of specialists.
• Residents had the equipment they needed, such as modern, specially adapted wheelchairs. We were told these were paid for by the charity.
• Residents told us that:
  • They are looked after at the home and like the staff.
  • They like having a hairdresser at the home.
  • They appreciate having a dedicated Physiotherapy service at the home.

Recommendations:

• We spoke to staff and residents across all three units and comments about staffing pressures at night, or first thing in the morning, were made across all three areas. The Acting Registered Manager (RM) is aware of the issues and is reviewing staffing rotas using the Rowan Jefferson approach, alongside discussions with managers and staff. This method is favoured by the local Clinical Commissioning Group. We recommend that the RM continues to keep this under review, including night shift spot checks, and commend her for her proactive approach and continual review of this issue.
• We recommend that the RM continues to pursue the lift being mended and the implementation of the planned refurbishments.