Chipstead Lake - Care Home Physical Disabilities

Welcome to our overview of Chipstead Lake, a registered care home in Kent that provides accommodation and personal care for up to 24 younger and older adults with physical adaptive needs. During our review on 24 February 2021, inspectors looked specifically at how the service managed infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic. At the time of our visit, 23 people were living at the home, each enjoying their own room and private bathroom, while two residents lived in their own self-contained flats.

Regarding safety measures, the home had put strict procedures in place to protect residents, including managing visitors through a dedicated pod with floor-to-ceiling screens accessible directly from the conservatory without entering the main building. New residents were admitted safely following a required 14-day isolation period and a negative test, with one-to-one support provided to minimize risks and offer reassurance. The environment appeared clean, supported by up-to-date infection control policies, regular audits by the registered manager, and monitoring through cleaning schedules overseen by an infection control lead.

For the effective category, the home followed up-to-date guidance and policies to prevent and manage potential infection outbreaks while successfully implementing shielding and social distancing rules.

When looking at the caring aspect, staff ensured residents received necessary support and reassurance during new admissions and isolations, maintaining personal care while minimizing exposure to unnecessary risks.

In terms of being responsive, the service adapted its environment and visitor access by creating a specialized visitor pod in the conservatory for appointments, alongside arranging testing for both residents and staff.

For well-led management, the registered manager actively oversaw cleaning schedules, conducted regular infection control audits, monitored completed actions, and ensured proper use of protective equipment and up-to-date policies across the service.