A Brighton care home has been told that it requires improvement by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC, the official watchdog for health and care services, published a report on Thursday (19 November) after inspecting Arundel Park Lodge, in Arundel Drive East, Saltdean, in September.
It rated the home as good for caring – the second best out of four ratings.
But the CQC said that Arundel Park Lodge “requires improvement” – the third of four grades – overall and in four key areas. The ratings were in response to checks on whether the care home was safe, effective, responsive and well led.
The CQC report said: “Arundel Park Lodge is a care home with nursing for up to 30 older people that require support and personal care.
“People maybe living with conditions associated with advancing age, including dementia.
“The home is located in Saltdean and is one of two provided by Whytecliffe Limited.
“Not everyone could tell us of their experiences but those that could spoke positively of the home and commented they felt safe.
“People had confidence in the staff to support them and we observed positive interactions throughout our inspection.
“Our own observations and the records we looked at found some concerns. A person was not supported to eat and drink in a safe manner following the guidelines set out by a health care professional.
Corroded
“We also found cross infection risks identified in two areas. Staff did not have the opportunity to wash their hands before leaving the staff bathroom because it lacked a hand basin. We looked at equipment used by people and saw that a commode was rusted and corroded.
“Staff were knowledgeable and trained in safeguarding and what action they should take if they suspected abuse was taking place.
“Medicines were managed safely in accordance with current regulations and guidance. There were systems in place to ensure that medicines had been stored, administered, audited and reviewed appropriately.
“The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) that applies to care homes.
“The registered manager had identified that applications were outstanding but had not made the appropriate applications as people’s needs changed.
“Where people lacked the mental capacity to make decisions the home was guided by the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) to ensure any decisions were made in the person’s best interests.
Enjoyed
“People enjoyed the facilities that the home offered such as the lounges and garden. We saw the newly erected summerhouse provided with the help of a dementia funded grant.
“However, the environment had not made other reasonable adjustment for the many people living with dementia.
“The premises did not meet the needs of people living with dementia. There was a lack of signage to help people find their way around the building.
“There were no signs to identify bathrooms and other rooms in the home which may add to orientation for people with cognitive impairment.
“Corridors, walls, doors and rails were all well maintained but were painted in similar shades when colour contrast is known to be helpful for people with dementia and others to help to distinguish borders.
“People were not always listened to or provided with care that was suited to individual people’s preferences and needs.
“A radio played music during lunchtime, we asked people what they thought about the choice and were told, ‘It’s dreadful but it’s what the girls want.’
“When staff were recruited, their employment history was checked and references obtained. Checks were also undertaken to ensure new staff were safe to work within the care sector.
Caring
“We observed friendly relationships between people and staff. One person told us, ‘One of the best things is the caring attitude of the staff.’
“People told us the staff supported them to maintain their independence as it was important to them.
“Staff were asked for their opinions on the service and whether they were happy in their work. Staff enjoyed their work.
“They felt supported within their roles and described a caring and ‘open door’ management approach.
“They described how management were always available to discuss suggestions and address problems or concerns.”
Two inspectors made an unannounced visit over two days after the CQC wrote with a request for information but received no answer.
The home is owned by Whytecliffe Limited. The directors are Anita Redwood, who was 53 at the time of the inspection, and Michael Redwood, who was 55, of Roedean Crescent, Brighton.
The company also owns Glentworth House, in Pembroke Avenue, Hove.
The registered manager at Arundel Park Lodge is Samantha Barnard.
