Carr Bank House

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Carr Bank House, a residential care home for individuals with mental health needs. The inspection aimed to assess the quality of care provided across several key areas, ensuring residents' safety, effectiveness of care, compassionate treatment, responsiveness to needs, and the effectiveness of leadership. The findings indicate that the home is generally well-managed and provides a good standard of care.

Regarding safety, the home has robust systems for assessing and managing risks to residents, with regular equipment checks and comprehensive safeguarding training for staff. While there are minor improvements to be made in consistently using behaviour incident charts and clarifying "as required" medicine records, overall safety measures are in place, including strict COVID-19 protocols and PPE usage.

In terms of effectiveness, staff receive good training and support, with increased focus on mental health awareness. Residents are supported to maintain their health and nutrition, with a good variety of food options. While redecoration is underway, some areas of the building still require attention, and there is a recommendation to ensure care plans fully capture all support needs.

The care provided at Carr Bank House is noted as compassionate and respectful. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of residents' needs and preferences, fostering positive interactions. Residents are encouraged to maintain their independence and are actively involved in discussions about their care, with regular keyworker meetings ensuring their views are heard.

The service is responsive to residents' needs, with personalised care plans that are regularly reviewed. While some information is documented across various records, there is a recommendation for improved consolidation within formal care plans. The home also supports residents in accessing the community and maintaining relationships, though discussions around end-of-life wishes are an area for future development.

Finally, the home is well-led, with a strong quality assurance system and regular audits. The management team fosters a positive and approachable culture, and staff feel well-supported. Efforts have been made to streamline paperwork, making it easier for staff to manage resident information effectively, and residents and their relatives are generally very satisfied with the service.