Beechwood

This report provides an overview of Beechwood care home following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The inspection assessed various aspects of the service, including its safety, effectiveness, caring approach, responsiveness, and leadership. The findings are based on feedback from residents, their families, staff, and healthcare professionals, as well as a review of care records and operational procedures. The aim is to give families a clear picture of the home's performance and the quality of care it provides.

On safety, the home generally ensured people were safe and protected from harm, with staff understanding safeguarding procedures and risks being well managed. However, there were instances where medication administration records were not consistently completed, and a damaged communal chair was found to be difficult to clean effectively.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs and choices were regularly assessed and reviewed, with staff having the necessary training and skills. While meals were generally well-received and personalized, a kitchen refurbishment was underway during the inspection. The service also worked well with other agencies to support residents' health.

The caring aspect of the service was highlighted, with relatives reporting that residents were supported in a kind, dignified, and respectful manner. Staff were noted to know residents' needs and preferences well, and care plans were personalised, respecting privacy and encouraging feedback.

Regarding responsiveness, the home generally supported residents to live as independently as possible and to access the local community. Families felt their ideas and concerns were listened to, and care plans were reviewed to ensure they met individual goals and objectives.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, the culture was described as open and inclusive. While audits were conducted to improve the service, they were not always effective in identifying all issues. Nevertheless, when shortfalls were identified, the management took prompt action to address them, and staff felt able to raise concerns.