CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Alexandra Way Residential Care Home
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured about infection prevention and control, including visitors, protective equipment, testing, cleaning, social distancing and admissions.
- Effective?
- Good
- This question was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Good
- This question was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Responsive?
- Good
- This question was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Good
- This question was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
What inspectors found, May 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured that infection risks were being managed well during this targeted visit.
The inspection took place on 22 April 2021 and was announced. It was a targeted inspection after concerns were received about infection control and prevention.
Inspectors looked at infection prevention measures. They were assured that the home managed visitors, social distancing, admissions, protective equipment, testing, cleaning and possible outbreaks appropriately.
The home had arrangements for safer visiting, including testing visitors, an external-access visiting pod and individual risk assessments. People continued to receive medical attention, emotional support and activities during the pandemic.
The home was inspected but not rated. This means the visit did not give an overall quality rating or a rated score for safe care.
Visitor safety
Visitors were given information before arrival, tested before entering and directed along the shortest route. The home also provided an internal visiting pod with external access.
“Visitors were shown to the area of the home they were visiting, by the shortest and most direct route.” from the report
Infection controls
Inspectors were assured that the home used protective equipment safely, supported testing and had measures to prevent or manage outbreaks.
“We were assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and safely.” from the report
Safe admissions
New residents had risk assessments and were kept separate for 14 days. A separate unit was also used for new admissions and anyone who tested positive for Covid-19.
“When people were admitted to the home, risk assessments were completed, and people self-isolated for 14 days.” from the report
Support for wellbeing
The home continued activities, special events and one-to-one contact. Staff also supported people and families with anxiety and sadness during the pandemic.
“Positive activity provision continued, including celebrating special events.” from the report
Planning and checks
The home had policies and contingency plans, and completed environmental and infection control audits. The report says actions identified were taken.
“Clear policies, procedures and contingency plans were in place.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What infection prevention and control arrangements are in place now for visitors, including testing and protective equipment?
- 02How are new residents assessed and supported during any isolation period?
- 03Are visits still individually risk assessed, and what options are available for families who need privacy or easier communication?
- 04How does the home manage a suspected or confirmed infection outbreak?
- 05What activities and one-to-one support are currently available for residents who feel anxious or isolated?
This was an announced targeted inspection of infection prevention and control measures only; the service was inspected but not rated and the other areas were not assessed. This explanation was written from the published report of 7 May 2021 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
What inspectors found, October 2018
Rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and person-centred care, with no serious risks or concerns identified.
This was an unannounced inspection on 21 August 2018. Inspectors spoke with people living in the home, relatives, staff and a health professional. They also reviewed care records, staff records, medicines, audits and other documents.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicines management, suitable training, respectful care and activities that reflected people's interests.
The rating stayed Good, as it had been at the previous inspection. Inspectors found no evidence of serious risks or concerns. The home had systems to check quality and act on improvements.
Enough staff
People, relatives and staff told inspectors there were enough staff. Inspectors saw staff respond promptly and found people could use call bells for support.
“During the inspection the atmosphere in the home was calm and staff did not appear to be rushed, they responded promptly to people's requests for support.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
People appeared comfortable and relaxed with staff. Inspectors saw patience, kindness and support that protected people's dignity and privacy.
“During our visits we saw staff demonstrating acts of patience and kindness.” from the report
Individual care
Care plans included people's preferences, routines and personal history. People were involved in deciding how they wanted to be supported.
“The care plans were informative and interesting.” from the report
Activities and community links
People could choose from activities, outings and hobbies. The home also supported links with the local community to reduce social isolation.
“People were offered and provided with a range of activities, outings and things of interest.” from the report
Quality checks
The manager and deputy reviewed incidents, concerns and other information. Regular audits were used to identify and act on improvements.
“Systems were in place to monitor and evaluate services provided in the home.” from the report
Different levels of approachability
minorSome staff said that some duty managers were easier to approach than others. The inspectors fed this back to the registered manager.
“Some staff felt that some duty managers were more approachable than others and we fed this back to the registered manager.” from the report
- 01How would you assess and manage my relative's particular risks, such as falls, swallowing difficulties or skin problems?
- 02How many staff are usually on duty during the day and at night, and how quickly are call bells answered?
- 03How would you support my relative's preferred routines, personal care choices, activities and interests?
- 04What training and supervision do staff receive for my relative's needs, including dementia or end of life care if relevant?
- 05How do you make sure all duty managers are approachable and respond consistently to concerns?
This inspection covered all five CQC questions, and the overall Good rating carried over from the previous inspection because inspectors found no serious risks or concerns. This explanation was written from the published report of 31 October 2018 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Alexandra Way Residential Care Home
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- May 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
Read what inspectors found at Alexandra Way Residential Care Home →
- October 2018Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
Read what inspectors found at Alexandra Way Residential Care Home →
- March 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- June 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- June 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 21 January 2011.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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39 live-in carers within about an hour of South Gloucestershire
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £1,020 to £1,280 a week. 32 can care for a couple. 11 years' experience on average.
“She was very caring, kind and patient to all his needs, she built up a wondetful rapport with him, she was dedicated and was there for him through good times as well as through the tough times”
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.