Abbey Hey Care Home

This report details the unannounced inspection of Abbey Hey Care Home in January 2024 by the Care Quality Commission, evaluating a facility that accommodates up to 39 people, including those living with dementia. The inspection assessed two key questions specifically, combining these findings with previous ratings for the remaining areas to review overall standards. Residents and their relatives shared positive feedback regarding their experiences, highlighting a safe, well-managed environment supported by consistent leadership and active partnerships with external healthcare professionals.

For the safe category, inspectors found that residents and relatives felt secure, backed by proper staff recruitment procedures, effective risk management, and monitored safety incidents. The home maintained a clean environment with proper infection control measures, safe medicine handling with accurate records, and appropriate legal applications regarding mental capacity and freedom of movement.

Regarding the effective category, staff supported residents in having maximum choice and control over their lives based on proper mental capacity assessments and best interests decisions. The service also worked regularly with outside health professionals such as dieticians, district nurses, and speech and language therapists to support positive outcomes.

In terms of caring, residents noted that staff genuinely cared about them, offering personalized support without rushing them while ensuring they had plenty to eat and drink. People felt listened to, respected, and treated as individuals within a welcoming daily routine.

Concerning being responsive, the home held regular meetings and satisfaction surveys for residents, relatives, and staff to gather feedback and address any concerns. Care plans contained specific risk assessments and control measures tailored to individual needs, allowing the service to adapt to people's requirements.

For the well-led category, the home had an active registered manager supported by a deputy manager and regional oversight, maintaining transparent communication and quality audits across the building, medication, and care plans. Staff described an approachable management team and a positive, supportive workplace culture where problems were quickly resolved.