Upton House

Upton House is a residential care home that supports up to 20 older people, including those living with dementia. This report summarises the findings of a recent inspection by the CQC, which reviewed the service’s safety, effectiveness, caring approach, responsiveness, and leadership. The inspection found that while significant improvements have been made since the last visit, further development is still needed in some areas. The home is working towards consistently providing a high standard of care for its residents.

In terms of safety, while there have been improvements in risk assessment guidance and infection control, there are still some areas requiring attention. Specific guidance for staff on managing resident weight loss needs to be more detailed, and there were some inconsistencies in the records for changing urinary catheter bags, posing a risk of infection. The management of medicines also requires further attention, with some handwritten prescription instructions needing more robust verification processes and more accurate stock records. However, systems for safeguarding residents from abuse are now in place, and staff recruitment processes have been strengthened to ensure new team members are safely vetted.

Regarding the effectiveness of care, residents and their families reported feeling safe and happy. The care plans now better reflect resident needs, and staff are supported to help residents maintain choice and control over their lives, adhering to the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. Infection prevention and control measures are now robust, assuring the safety of residents and staff.

In terms of how caring the service is, the inspection noted a positive shift in the home's culture. Relatives reported being able to visit more freely and found the service to be more open and transparent. Residents appeared relaxed with staff, who were observed spending quality time with them.

The service has demonstrated responsiveness by making significant changes to its visiting policies and ensuring residents' rooms are accessible as per their wishes. Staff are now clearer about their responsibilities regarding safeguarding.

Concerning how well-led the service is, a new registered manager has been appointed, leading to positive changes in the home's culture and leadership. While systems for monitoring the quality of the service, including checks and audits, are now in place, they are still being embedded and need to consistently identify shortfalls. Feedback from residents and relatives is being sought, but the analysis of this feedback to drive action requires further development. Despite these points, the leadership team is working to improve the overall quality of care provided.