Littleborough Home for the Elderly

This CQC inspection report for Littleborough Home for the Elderly provides a comprehensive overview of the care provided. The report details findings across five key areas, aiming to give families a clear picture of the home's performance. It highlights how residents experience the care, the effectiveness of systems in place, and the overall quality of management.

On safety, the home has effective safeguarding systems in place to protect residents from abuse, with staff well-trained in this area. Risks to people's safety are identified and managed, and there are sufficient staff to meet resident needs. Recruitment processes include essential checks to ensure suitability. While the home has a good food hygiene rating and staff are trained in infection control, some areas of the home, particularly toilets, require redecoration, though a refurbishment plan is in place. Improvements were also needed in the documentation of fluid thickeners, which has since been addressed.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents receive support tailored to their needs, with thorough assessments conducted before admission. Staff receive appropriate training and regular supervision, and feel well-supported by their colleagues. Residents are supported to maintain a balanced diet and enjoy their meals, and the home collaborates effectively with health services to ensure residents' health is maintained. The service operates within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring people's choices and rights are protected.

When considering how caring the service is, people and their relatives are very happy with the staff and the compassionate care provided. Staff know the residents well and treat them with dignity and respect, promoting their privacy and independence. Relatives are kept well-informed about their loved ones' care, and residents are supported to make their own decisions wherever possible.

Looking at responsiveness, the home provides person-centred care, with detailed care records guiding staff. While feedback on activities was mixed, the home is actively working to recruit an activities coordinator and develop community links. A clear complaints procedure is in place, and residents and relatives feel confident that concerns would be addressed. The service works closely with health professionals for end-of-life care.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, the home is consistently managed by a capable registered manager supported by an area manager. There is a strong person-centred culture, and staff speak positively about their working environment and colleagues. Regular audits and checks are conducted to ensure the quality and safety of the service, and the home effectively collaborates with external organisations and health professionals to provide good care and promote continuous learning and improvement.