Ivy Bank Residential Care Home

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Ivy Bank Residential Care Home following an inspection. The inspection focused on safety and leadership, with previous ratings being considered for other areas. While the home offers care for 25 residents, including those with dementia, the report highlights areas of strength alongside points for development to ensure the best possible care environment. The overall assessment indicates that improvements are needed in how the service is managed.

On the aspect of safety, the home is considered safe, with residents and their families expressing feelings of security and comfort. Risks to residents have been identified and managed, and staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures and know how to raise concerns. Robust recruitment processes are in place to ensure staff are suitable for their roles.

Regarding the effectiveness of care, residents are supported to make choices and live as independently as possible, with staff always acting in their best interests. The home has a clean environment, and infection control measures are followed diligently to prevent the spread of illness.

The caring nature of the staff is consistently praised by residents and their relatives, who describe them as gentle, kind, and devoted. Staff are motivated and feel appreciated, contributing to a positive atmosphere where residents' independence is encouraged.

In terms of being responsive, visiting restrictions have been lifted, allowing residents to see their loved ones freely. Lessons are learned from incidents, and staff work with external professionals to ensure residents receive appropriate support.

However, the service requires improvement in how it is well-led. While staff understand their roles and are supported, there is a need for more detailed guidance in certain care areas, such as the use of specific equipment. Not all care records fully captured residents' end-of-life wishes, and some relatives were still unaware of certain visiting freedoms. Audits and checks within the home have not always been effective in identifying and rectifying issues promptly, including inaccuracies in medication stock records. The provider has been asked to address these specific points to enhance the overall management and quality of care.