CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at April Court
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, August 2020
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found good infection prevention and control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 7 August 2020. It looked only at infection prevention and control measures as part of the CQC's COVID-19 review of care homes.
Inspectors found clear visiting arrangements, good hand hygiene facilities, correct use of protective equipment and a clean environment. The home had social distancing measures, safe visiting areas and an up-to-date infection control policy.
People were involved in decisions about shielding. Staff used pictures and activities to help people understand the restrictions, and used video calls and extra activities to reduce social isolation.
The service was inspected but not rated. This means the visit did not provide an overall quality rating or full ratings for all five areas of care.
Infection control
The home had clear visiting rules, handwashing and sanitising facilities, safe indoor and outdoor visiting spaces, and a clean environment.
“People, staff and visitors to April Court were protected from risks of infection as policies and staff practices were reflective of current best practice guidance.” from the report
Protective equipment and testing
Protective equipment was being used correctly and supplies were monitored. People and staff had agreed to regular testing in line with government guidance.
“PPE was being used correctly and in good supply.” from the report
Supporting wellbeing
Staff took steps to reduce loneliness and help people understand shielding and social distancing. These included video calls, extra activities and accessible information.
“Risks to people's mental well-being were understood and actions to reduce risk of social isolation had included skype calls to family and friends and increased social activities such as BBQ's.” from the report
Accessible communication
Information about staying safe was shared verbally and with pictures. Staff adapted their support for people who did not understand social distancing.
“Information was shared verbally, and with the use of pictures, to communicate to people the need to shield and social distance.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What infection prevention and control arrangements are in place now, and how do they compare with those seen in August 2020?
- 02How are visits currently managed, including handwashing, protective equipment and social distancing?
- 03How often are people and staff tested now, and how are the results managed?
- 04How does the home support people who find social distancing or shielding difficult to understand?
- 05When was the home's latest full inspection, and what were its ratings for all five areas?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control measures only; it did not provide a full assessment or ratings for the other areas of care. This explanation was written from the published report of 13 August 2020 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, February 2020
Rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care, with the home larger than current best practice guidance.
This was an unannounced planned inspection on 16 and 17 January 2020. One inspector spoke with six people, three relatives and staff. They also checked care plans, medicines records, staff files and records about incidents, complaints and quality checks.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicine systems, clean premises and regular checks on risks. People were supported to make choices, develop independence and take part in activities in the community.
People and relatives described kind and respectful care. Care plans were detailed and personalised. Staff supported people's health, communication, food and relationships. The home had been rated Good at the previous inspection, published in June 2017, and this rating remained unchanged.
Personalised support
Care plans were detailed and focused on each person's needs, wishes and independence. Staff understood how people preferred to be supported.
“Care plans were comprehensive, detailed and personalised, focusing on the things that were relevant to each person.” from the report
Kind and respectful staff
People looked comfortable with staff, who listened to them and treated them as adults. Staff respected privacy and encouraged independence.
“People and relatives said staff treated them or their loved one kindly and respectfully, with warmth.” from the report
Active community life
People were supported to take part in varied activities and outings, including drama, music, swimming and community events.
“People lived active lives. One person liked to go to the pub to watch football matches.” from the report
Good oversight
Managers and the provider used regular audits, monitoring visits and action plans to check the quality and safety of care.
“There was ongoing oversight by the registered manager and provider.” from the report
Home larger than current guidance
minorThe home was larger than current best practice guidance for this type of service. Inspectors said the building design and focus on community life reduced the possible negative impact.
“This is larger than current best practice guidance.” from the report
- 01How will you make sure my relative's care plan reflects their communication style, choices and support needs?
- 02How many staff will usually be on duty, and how will you support my relative to go out and take part in activities?
- 03How would you support my relative to manage their medicines, including any medicines taken as required?
- 04How will you support my relative's health needs, including annual health checks, dental care and any specialist dietary needs?
- 05How does the size of the home affect daily life, privacy and opportunities for independence?
This was an unannounced planned inspection covering all five key questions, and all five ratings remained Good. This explanation was written from the published report of 15 February 2020 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 April Court
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- August 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- February 2020Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- June 2017GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- July 2015
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 1 July 2015.
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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37 live-in carers within about an hour of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
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 £1,000 to £1,340 a week. 26 can care for a couple. 11 years' experience on average.
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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.