Mountfitchet House

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Mountfitchet House, a care home offering personal and nursing care to up to 60 individuals, including those with dementia. The inspection, conducted on June 21, 2023, assessed the service across five key areas to understand the experience of residents and the quality of care provided. While the overall findings indicate a service that is largely meeting standards, the report highlights specific areas where improvements have been identified and are being addressed by the home.

Regarding safety, staff were safely recruited, and there were sufficient staffing levels to meet resident needs. Medicine management was robust, and infection prevention and control practices were effectively maintained. However, some risk assessments were not consistently updated to reflect current resident needs, and safeguarding records needed clearer documentation of actions taken.

On the effectiveness of care, while staff received relevant training, there were instances where safe moving and positioning practices were not consistently followed, and care delivery did not always align with individual care plans and preferences. The provider has acknowledged these points and is implementing retraining and reviewing induction processes. Feedback on food quality was mixed but improving, though snack and drink provision and record-keeping require further attention.

In terms of caring, residents and their families consistently spoke positively about the kind and compassionate attitude of the staff, highlighting respectful interactions and support for choices. Residents felt involved in their care planning, and staff were observed to be attentive and supportive. A specific instance of dignity not being fully respected in continence care was noted and immediately addressed by management.

The service demonstrated responsiveness by involving residents and families in care planning and reviews. While the overall approach to personalised care is good, the life history sections in care plans were noted as lacking detail and are being reviewed. Residents expressed a desire for more opportunities for outings and a wider range of in-house activities.

In terms of leadership, the service is well-led, with strong partnerships with healthcare professionals and significant engagement within the local community. The provider actively seeks feedback and has established processes for monitoring quality and safety, though continuous improvement in documentation and training consistency is ongoing.