What the CQC found at Acorn House - Croydon

Staff understood safeguarding and individual risks. Inspectors saw staff responding promptly and appropriately when people needed help.

“Staff were vigilant when people were moving around the service or undertaking activities and made sure people remained safe.” from the report

People received their medicines as prescribed. Records, stock checks, storage and staff competency checks were all reviewed.

“Our checks of stocks and records showed people consistently received the medicines prescribed to them.” from the report

People gave positive feedback about staff, and inspectors saw staff supporting people in a kind and respectful way.

“The staff are very nice, kind, helpful, all of them. They like me and I like them. I am very happy here.” from the report

The new manager had appointed a deputy, introduced a new records system, improved medicines arrangements and brought staff training and supervision up to date.

“Some improvements had been made since the manager joined the service and these included; appointment of a deputy manager to strengthen management oversight at the service” from the report

Applications for DoLS authorisation were not always submitted promptly. Inspectors said this created a risk that people could be deprived of their liberty unlawfully, although they found no evidence of harm during this inspection.

“Although we did not find evidence at this inspection that people had been harmed due to the delay in the provider making these applications, there was a risk of people being unlawfully deprived of their liberty.” from the report

The home had no registered manager in post, and the new manager's improvements had only been in place for about three months. Inspectors could not yet be fully assured that the changes would last.

“However, as many of these improvements had only been made in the three months leading up to our inspection, we could not be fully assured that management and leadership of the service was fully effective and consistent at this time.” from the report

Some bedrooms and other parts of the home needed redecorating or refurbishment. Work had started, but the improvements were not complete.

“However, some areas of the service, including some people's rooms, needed to be redecorated or refurbished to reflect people's needs and preferences.” from the report

For one person, staff repeated the food choices but did not use pictures or show the options on plates. Inspectors recommended reviewing dementia guidance on eating and drinking.

“However, we noted for one person staff had to explain the choices available to them several times but did not use pictorial menus or plate up the options available” from the report