The Clough Care Home

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) details an inspection of The Clough Care Home. The inspection focused on the key areas of safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership. Overall, the report indicates that the home is well-managed and provides a good standard of care for its residents. Inspectors reviewed various aspects of the service, including safeguarding, risk management, staff recruitment, medication administration, infection control, and how residents' dignity and choices are respected. The findings highlight the commitment of the staff and management to providing a supportive and safe environment for those living at the home.

Regarding safety, systems are in place to protect residents from harm, with staff well-trained in safeguarding procedures and aware of how to report concerns. Risk assessments are conducted and regularly reviewed for each individual, and health and safety checks are consistently completed. Medicines are managed safely, and appropriate infection control measures are in place, including specific training for staff regarding COVID-19. While recruitment processes are safe and staffing levels appear adequate, some staff mentioned concerns about the management of staffing issues, which the registered manager is addressing.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents are supported to be as independent as possible, with their choices and control over their lives respected. Staff are trained and knowledgeable, ensuring that care plans are up-to-date and reflect individual preferences and needs. The service actively seeks feedback from residents and implements actions to improve inclusivity.

When looking at how caring the service is, residents are treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. Their care plans include information about their individual needs and preferences, ensuring diversity is respected. Residents reported feeling well looked after and that their choices, such as when to have personal care, are honoured. Staff expressed a genuine affection for the residents, treating them like family members.

In terms of responsiveness, the home works effectively with external agencies and professionals to ensure residents receive the best possible support. Communication with families and friends is strong, especially regarding visiting arrangements during the pandemic. Complaints and concerns are addressed honestly and appropriately.

Finally, concerning leadership, the service is consistently well-led, with a culture that promotes high-quality, person-centred care. While most staff feel the registered manager is approachable and proactive, a few raised concerns about the follow-through on staffing issues, which are being actively managed by the manager. Audits and quality checks are completed regularly, and learning from incidents is used to drive continuous improvement. The management team collaborates effectively with external partners to ensure residents' needs are met.