Five Stacks Residential Care Centre

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an assessment of Five Stacks Residential Care Centre following an inspection in April 2019. The inspection aimed to evaluate the quality and safety of care provided at the home. The report details findings across five key areas, offering insights into the daily operations and overall resident experience.

Regarding safety, residents were found to be well-protected from avoidable harm, with staff actively supporting their safety and ensuring medication was administered correctly. Improvements have been made in risk identification and management since the last inspection, with systems in place for regular equipment servicing and safety checks of the premises. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding procedures and had received appropriate training.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs were assessed prior to admission, and staff effectively applied learning from best practices to achieve positive outcomes. Staff were described as competent and well-trained, with comprehensive induction and ongoing development opportunities. Residents praised the quality of meals and were supported to maintain good nutrition and hydration, with input from dieticians and speech and language therapists when needed. The service also ensured residents had timely access to healthcare professionals and that their independence was promoted.

On the caring aspect, residents were supported by kind, compassionate, and caring staff who treated them with dignity and respect. Staff knew residents well, understanding their preferences, routines, and what was important to them, fostering a sense of family within the home. Residents were actively involved in their care plans and encouraged to make their own choices daily, promoting their independence and maintaining their relationships with loved ones.

Concerning how responsive the service is, resident needs were met through effective organisation and delivery of care. Residents and their families were involved in care planning, and staff understood individual needs, preferences, and what mattered to each person, ensuring care was person-centred. The service ensured residents' independence was promoted, with staff encouraging them to do as much as possible for themselves.

Finally, looking at how well-led the service is, management had systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of care. They demonstrated a commitment to learning from incidents and making improvements, as evidenced by action plans following the previous inspection. The registered manager understood their responsibilities and liaised appropriately with external agencies when necessary, ensuring regulatory compliance and driving continuous improvement for the benefit of residents.