CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Arcot House Residential Home
Rated Outstanding: inspectors found the home performing exceptionally well.
- Safe?
- Outstanding
- Inspectors found detailed, personalised risk plans that supported people to take positive risks and remain independent. Staffing, safeguarding, medicines and infection control were all found to be very strong.
- Effective?
- Outstanding
- Staff had comprehensive training, regular support and specialist skills. People's nutrition, hydration, mobility and access to health professionals were very well supported.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- Inspectors saw kind and respectful relationships. Staff understood people's life histories and supported dignity, independence, equality and family involvement.
- Responsive?
- Outstanding
- Care plans were detailed and tailored to each person. People were offered a wide range of activities, community links and one-to-one time based on their interests and wishes.
- Well-led?
- Outstanding
- The management team and staff shared strong values and focused on continual improvement. Regular audits and quality checks were used to identify and act on any shortfalls.
What inspectors found, April 2020
Rated Outstanding in all five areas; inspectors found exceptionally safe, effective, caring and personalised care.
This was a planned inspection over two days. It was unannounced on the first day. Inspectors spoke with 12 people, three relatives and nine staff. They also observed care and checked care, medicine, recruitment and management records.
The home was rated Outstanding overall and in all five areas. Inspectors found detailed risk planning, enough staff, well-managed medicines and strong infection control. People received highly personalised support with food, activities, health care and daily choices.
Inspectors found a very caring culture. Staff knew people's histories, respected their choices and helped them stay independent and connected with their communities. The report also says the home had good quality checks and a clear focus on improving care.
The previous inspection, published in May 2017, also rated the home Outstanding in all areas. This inspection found that all five ratings remained Outstanding.
Detailed safety planning
Risks were carefully assessed with people's involvement. The approach aimed to keep people safe while allowing them to make choices and remain independent.
“Risks were assessed and extremely detailed plans put in place to keep people safe.” from the report
Personalised care
Staff understood people's needs, histories and preferences. Care plans were regularly updated so support could change when people's needs changed.
“People received care and support truly centred around their individual needs and preferences.” from the report
Kind relationships
Inspectors found warm, respectful relationships between staff, people and families. Staff took time to provide emotional support and preserve people's dignity.
“Positive, meaningful relationships had been developed between staff, people and their families.” from the report
Food and nutrition
Meals were high quality and adapted to people's preferences and dietary needs. Food and drinks were available throughout the day, with support to encourage independence.
“The standard of catering and meal time experiences was excellent.” from the report
Strong oversight
The provider used regular audits and staff ambassador roles to share learning and improve the service. Inspectors found a team committed to learning and development.
“Good quality assurance systems were in place and based upon regular, scheduled audits” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How would you make sure my relative's individual risks and choices are recorded and reviewed?
- 02What staffing levels would be available for my relative, including one-to-one support and outings?
- 03How would you manage my relative's medicines, including any medicines needed outside normal medicine rounds?
- 04What activities and community visits could be planned around my relative's interests and previous life?
- 05How would you support my relative if they needed nursing care, given that the home does not provide nursing care?
This was a comprehensive planned inspection covering the premises and care, with all five CQC ratings assessed; all five ratings had also been Outstanding at the previous inspection. This explanation was written from the published report of 2 April 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. The report was longer than we could read in one go; the later sections may not be reflected.
What inspectors found, May 2017
Rated Outstanding in every area; inspectors found exceptionally safe, effective, caring and personalised care.
The inspection took place over two days. The first day was unannounced and the second was announced. Inspectors met everyone living at the home, spoke with 12 relatives and 18 staff, and reviewed care, medicines, staffing, training and quality checks.
Inspectors found a strong safety culture and enough trained staff. People received their medicines safely and on time. Risks such as falls, poor nutrition and swallowing problems were identified and managed carefully.
Care was described as exceptionally kind, respectful and personal. Staff knew people's histories, needs and wishes. The home used creative activities, food choices, training and partnerships with health professionals to support people's health and quality of life.
The overall rating and all five question ratings were Outstanding. This was the first inspection since the new provider registered the service in February 2015.
Kind, personal relationships
Staff knew people as individuals and treated them with dignity. The report described a warm, family-like culture.
“Staff developed exceptionally positive caring and compassionate relationships with people. The ethos of the home was that of an extended family.” from the report
Strong safety arrangements
The home used detailed risk assessments, equipment and monitoring to reduce risks while helping people remain independent.
“People were safer because a safety culture was embedded at the service.” from the report
Good support with food and drink
People had choices and staff used creative ways to encourage eating and drinking. Special diets and swallowing risks were carefully considered.
“People's experience of eating and drinking was enhanced because staff used innovative ways to promote improved health and wellbeing through good nutrition and hydration.” from the report
Skilled and improving staff
Staff received regular training and support, including training linked to people's specific health needs. The home encouraged reflection and new ideas.
“The service used innovative and creative ways to train and develop staff to put their learning into practice to provide outstanding care that met people's individual needs.” from the report
People had a voice
People were involved in care decisions, recruitment and the day-to-day running of the home. Their feedback was used to make changes.
“People were partners in the day to day running of the home, and their experience and contributions were sought and valued.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How have the Outstanding standards described in this 2017 report been maintained since the inspection?
- 02How would you meet my relative's needs if they require nursing care, as the home does not provide nursing care?
- 03What progress has been made with the planned shaft lift, laundry improvements and extension?
- 04How do you continue to monitor falls, infections, nutrition, hydration and swallowing risks for each person?
- 05How are people and relatives involved now in care planning, feedback and decisions about the home?
This was a full inspection covering all five CQC questions, including visits, conversations with people, relatives, staff and health professionals, and reviews of care, medicines, staffing and quality systems. This explanation was written from the published report of 18 May 2017 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. The report was longer than we could read in one go; the later sections may not be reflected.
Every inspection of Arcot House Residential Home
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Outstanding rating throughout.
- April 2020Outstandingcurrent ratingstayed OutstandingSafe: OutstandingEffective: OutstandingCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
Read what inspectors found at Arcot House Residential Home →
- May 2017OutstandingSafe: OutstandingEffective: OutstandingCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
Read what inspectors found at Arcot House Residential Home →
- February 2015
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 11 February 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.
Weigh the report against the rest
Fees, photos and reviews from families
How to read CQC ratings and reports
What to check when you visit
17 live-in carers within about an hour of Devon
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 £1,270 a week. 15 can care for a couple. 13 years' experience on average.
“She is such a warm and gentle person while being professional and competent at the same time.”
“She looked after my mum, who can be incredibly challenging, so well and so gently, and we always felt confident that my mum was getting the best care available.”
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.