What the CQC found at Ambleside

People and relatives told inspectors they felt safe. Staff knew how to identify and report concerns, and risks such as falls and skin damage were monitored.

“Everyone continued to feel safe living at the home which was confirmed by those people we spoke with.” from the report

Staff were described as calm, caring and unhurried. They used people's preferred names, protected privacy and supported people at their own pace.

“During our visit we saw staff continued to have a caring approach and supported people in a relaxed and unhurried way.” from the report

Medicines were given by trained staff and records were completed correctly. The home also had arrangements for time-critical and end of life medicines.

“People received their medicines as prescribed, from trained and competent staff.” from the report

The home had improved its audits, action plans and management oversight since the previous inspection. Agency staff were no longer relied on, supporting more consistent teams.

“Agency staff were no longer relied on which meant the staff teams were more consistent and worked better.” from the report

The home had expanded activities and sought information from families to understand what mattered to each person. Activities included gardening, art, baking, pet visits and seated exercise.

“Each person had a timetable for the week's activities in their bedroom so they could plan what they wanted to do that week.” from the report

Two pressure mattresses were set to the wrong body weight. Inspectors found no health impact for those people, but recommended a formal checking method.

“Pressure mattresses were not always set to people's correct body weight.” from the report

In one dining room, a person's prescribed thickener was empty and staff used another person's thickener instead of getting the correct one.

“One person's thickener was empty and staff used another person's prescribed thickener without thinking to go and get the person's own carton.” from the report

Food and fluid records for one person with a PEG tube were not clear enough. Inspectors said records needed to be more accurate and consistent.

“Fluid and food charts for the person who had a peg site, needed to be clearer.” from the report

Some staff said sickness meant staffing levels were often lower at weekends and sometimes below assessed levels. The manager said staffing was monitored and extra staff would be provided if needed.

“They told us there had recently been a significant level of sickness and staffing levels were often lower at the weekends so they went below assessed staff levels.” from the report

Some staff said communication could be improved when changes were made. The manager and provider were working to involve staff more fully.

“All of the staff team felt changes were made for the better although some staff raised concerns that communication could be improved.” from the report