Echelforde

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Echelforde, a residential care home. The inspection focused on five key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership. The findings highlight the home's commitment to providing a supportive environment for its residents, many of whom live with dementia. The report details specific observations and feedback from residents, relatives, and staff, offering a comprehensive picture of the service.

Regarding safety, residents generally felt secure and staff were well-trained in safeguarding procedures. While risks were mostly well-managed, a specific instance of an outdated risk assessment was identified and promptly addressed. The home ensures robust systems for learning from incidents and maintains safe recruitment practices, with staff generally reporting sufficient numbers to meet resident needs, though occasional challenges with weekend staffing were noted. Medicines are handled securely, and infection control measures are effective, with the environment consistently described as clean.

In terms of how effective the care is, the service excels in assessing and meeting residents' needs, with a strong emphasis on personalized care plans. Staff receive comprehensive training and support, including specialized dementia training, and are encouraged in their professional development. Nutritional needs are well-met, with varied meal choices and sensitive support during mealtimes. The home's environment is adapted to support residents, particularly those with dementia, and features attractive gardens. Residents are well-supported to access healthcare services, and the home works effectively with external health professionals. Consent is consistently sought before care is provided, with a commitment to least restrictive practices where capacity is a concern.

The caring aspect of Echelforde is highlighted as outstanding. Residents and their families reported receiving exceptional care, characterised by kindness, compassion, and respect for individual uniqueness. Staff actively promoted resident independence and involved them in decisions about their care. The home fosters a positive atmosphere where residents' well-being is a priority, and their end-of-life care needs are sensitively addressed. Innovative community links and stimulating activities significantly enhance residents' quality of life.

In terms of being responsive, the service ensures that residents' needs are assessed before they join the home, and care plans are personalised to guide staff effectively. Residents have access to health and social care professionals as needed, and an accessible complaints system is in place, with no complaints lodged since the last inspection. Feedback from residents and their relatives is actively sought and acted upon, contributing to ongoing improvements.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, the registered manager fosters an open culture of communication and learning. The leadership team works proactively with external agencies and is visible and effective in their role. The home engages widely with community groups, facilitating regular access to the outside world for residents. Systems are in place to monitor service quality and safety, with learning identified and implemented. Resident and relative feedback is consistently gathered and used to inform service development.