Abbotswood Court

Here is a summary of the CQC inspection report for Abbotswood Court, written for families looking for a care home.

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Abbotswood Court following an inspection. The inspection aimed to assess the quality of care provided, focusing on key areas of service delivery. Overall, the report highlights a service where residents and their families generally feel safe and well-supported, with a strong emphasis on individual needs and preferences. The findings indicate a commitment to providing a positive living environment, though a few specific areas for ongoing attention were noted.

Regarding safety, residents and their families reported feeling secure. Staff are trained to recognise and report potential abuse, and risk assessments are regularly reviewed to protect individuals while respecting their choices. Medicines are handled safely, and recruitment processes ensure staff are suitable for their roles. While staffing levels are generally good, there can be busy periods, especially during staff absences, although bank staff are available to cover.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' dietary needs, including allergies and preferences, are met, though an instance of a dietary requirement not being clearly communicated to catering staff led to an immediate change in procedure. Staff receive comprehensive training, including dementia care, which enhances their ability to support residents. The home operates within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring residents are involved in decisions about their care.

On the caring aspect of the service, staff are consistently described as kind, patient, and empathetic, fostering relaxed and professional relationships with residents. People's privacy, dignity, and independence are respected, and staff take time to understand individual interests, facilitating meaningful interactions. Residents are encouraged to maintain their independence and are supported in making choices about their daily lives.

When assessing how responsive the service is, the planning of care is highly personalised, incorporating residents' interests, past experiences, and connections with family and the community. The home actively encourages residents to share their skills and maintain links with the wider world, making them feel valued. A complaints process is in place, and when issues are raised, they are addressed, leading to improvements and staff learning.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, the management fosters an open and inclusive culture where residents, families, and staff feel involved in decision-making. Staff feel supported and appreciated, with effective communication channels promoting teamwork. Links with clinical teams are established for continuous improvement, and robust quality assurance systems are in place to gather feedback and drive service development.