Littlebourne House Residential Care Home

This report details the findings of a recent inspection at Littlebourne House, a residential care home. The inspection focused on evaluating the home's performance across five key areas: safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness, and leadership. Overall, the report highlights significant improvements made by the home since its last inspection, addressing previous concerns and demonstrating a commitment to providing quality care.

On safety, the home has put robust measures in place to protect residents. Risks to health and well-being are consistently assessed, with clear guidance for staff to manage them effectively. Medication management has been significantly enhanced with a new electronic system, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring medicines are stored correctly. Accidents are analysed to prevent future occurrences, and staff are well-trained to identify and report any safeguarding concerns, ensuring residents are protected from abuse.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs are now thoroughly assessed before admission, ensuring staff can meet their specific requirements. The home has made thoughtful adaptations to its environment to support residents, particularly those living with dementia, making it easier for them to navigate and feel at home. Staff receive comprehensive training, including specialised skills like insulin administration, and are supported through regular supervision to maintain and develop their expertise. Residents are supported to eat well, with choices and preferences catered for, and the home works effectively with healthcare professionals to maintain residents' health.

Regarding caring practices, residents are treated with dignity and respect. Staff know and honour individual choices and preferences, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. Residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible, with staff providing support discreetly and maintaining their privacy. Their religious and cultural needs are met, and they are supported to express their views and be involved in decisions about their care.

The home is responsive to residents' needs, with personalised care plans developed collaboratively. These plans detail individual preferences, from daily routines to personal relationships, ensuring care is centred around the resident. Residents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of enjoyable activities, with their preferences taken into account, including one-to-one options and outings. Relationships with loved ones are maintained, and visitors are welcomed.

Finally, on being well-led, the management team demonstrates a proactive approach to quality assurance. Regular checks and audits are conducted, and any identified shortfalls are addressed promptly. There is an open and transparent culture, where residents' and relatives' views are actively sought and acted upon. Complaints are recorded and thoroughly investigated, ensuring concerns are managed effectively.