Fieldhouse Care Home

Fieldhouse Care Home provides residential care for up to 42 individuals, including those with dementia. This recent inspection by the CQC identified areas where improvements are needed, alongside positive findings about the home's care. The report highlights a need for enhanced oversight in medication management and record-keeping, with some health and safety procedures, particularly around infection control, requiring more consistent application. Additionally, the physical environment of the home would benefit from upgrades to better support residents, especially those living with dementia.

In terms of how safe the care is, there were instances where medication wasn't managed with the necessary documentation, and essential checks on care records and infection control weren't always consistently followed. Risk assessments for residents also needed more frequent review and updating, and there were gaps in emergency evacuation plans for some individuals. However, staff recruitment processes were robust, and residents generally felt safe and that there were enough staff to meet their needs.

Regarding the effectiveness of the service, care plans and risk assessments were not always up-to-date, meaning care might not always have been delivered as required. Furthermore, staff training needs to be enhanced, particularly in areas such as supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism, and in advanced care planning. Despite these areas for development, residents were supported to eat and drink well, and the home collaborated effectively with healthcare professionals to ensure residents received timely support.

The caring aspect of the service was a strong point, with residents reporting feeling well-supported, treated with dignity, and involved in their care decisions. Staff demonstrated a kind and compassionate approach, showing good knowledge of residents' needs and preferences, and building friendly relationships. Residents felt comfortable and able to express their views.

In terms of responsiveness, while residents could access visitors freely, the overall responsiveness of the service needs improvement. This is linked to the need for more robust systems for auditing and monitoring the quality and safety of the care provided, and ensuring that lessons are learned from previous issues. There was also a recommendation for better dementia-friendly environments within the home.

Finally, the leadership and management of the home require further development. While policies and procedures are in place and staff feel able to raise concerns, systems for auditing, assessing, and improving the quality and safety of the service were not always robust. The provider has acknowledged the need for improvements and is working towards a development plan.