Maple House

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) details an inspection of Maple House, a care home providing residential and nursing care. The inspection examined how the service performs across five key areas: safety, effectiveness, caringness, responsiveness, and leadership. The findings from this visit have been compiled to offer families a clear overview of the home's operational standards and the quality of care provided to its residents, focusing on the practical aspects of daily life and care delivery.

Regarding safety, the home has strengthened its recruitment processes, ensuring all new staff undergo thorough checks to protect residents. People living at Maple House feel safe and well-protected, with staff knowledgeable about safeguarding procedures and an open culture for reporting concerns. Risk assessments are comprehensive, and measures are in place to minimise potential hazards, with staffing levels generally considered sufficient to meet residents' needs, allowing staff to spend quality time with them. Medicine management is robust, utilising electronic systems and regular audits to ensure safe administration.

On how effective the care is, residents receive support from well-trained staff who understand their individual needs and preferences. New staff benefit from a comprehensive induction, and all employees have access to ongoing training opportunities to keep their skills current. Staff receive regular support and performance reviews, ensuring they are equipped to meet residents' care needs. The home adheres to the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring decisions are made in residents' best interests and involving families where appropriate, with appropriate consent always sought. Nutritional needs are monitored, and while most residents enjoy the food, a minor point was raised regarding meal temperature which is being addressed.

In terms of caring practices, residents are supported by staff who are consistently described as polite and kind, treating everyone with respect and dignity. The home actively encourages residents to have a say in their daily lives and care plans through resident meetings, where their views are valued and acted upon. Families are welcomed and encouraged to visit freely, fostering a strong sense of community. The service also demonstrates a commitment to residents' emotional well-being through personalised interactions, like hand massages and engaging conversation.

Regarding how responsive the service is, Maple House provides care that is highly personalised to residents' wishes and preferences. Before moving in, prospective residents and their families are thoroughly assessed to ensure the home can meet their specific needs. Care plans are developed collaboratively, ensuring residents are involved in decisions about their care from the outset. The home actively works to support residents in maintaining their independence and making choices about their daily routines and activities.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, there is a clear leadership structure in place with a registered manager actively involved in overseeing the home's operations. Staff feel well-supported by management, who are approachable and encourage professional development. The home has systems for monitoring service quality and gathering feedback from both residents and staff, which are used for continuous improvement. There's a proactive approach to seeking out and acting on suggestions for development, ensuring the service remains focused on resident well-being.