Marlfield Care Home With Nursing

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Marlfield Care Home with Nursing following an inspection on 7 February 2022. The inspection focused on infection prevention and control measures, as well as staffing pressures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Marlfield Care Home is currently undergoing a reconfiguration to specialize in supporting individuals living with dementia. The report highlights the provider's efforts to maintain safety and connectivity for residents during the pandemic, alongside specific areas where practices were found to be effective.

On safety, the home has implemented robust measures to prevent the spread of infections, ensuring safe visiting practices, effective use of PPE, and regular testing for residents and staff. They have also maintained up-to-date policies and premises hygiene to promote a safe environment and manage potential outbreaks.

In terms of how effective the care is, Marlfield has successfully supported residents to maintain contact with loved ones, even during lockdowns, by providing virtual communication tools. Staff have also ensured residents receive sufficient social stimulation through innovative methods like a sensory projector.

Regarding caring practices, the home benefits from staff continuity and minimal use of agency staff, which aids in building strong relationships. When day centres closed, their staff were redeployed to the home, bringing valuable experience.

In the area of being responsive, the team has gone above and beyond to support residents with diverse communication needs, including those whose first language is not English, by creating personalised pictorial books to aid understanding.

Concerning how well-led the service is, the provider has shown proactive management by re-deploying staff from day centres during closures and developing creative communication aids. They have also demonstrated adherence to government guidance regarding staff vaccination and visiting protocols, ensuring a protected environment for all.