What the CQC found at Ascot Grange Care Home

The home had introduced regular multidisciplinary reviews of falls and followed up agreed actions to reduce future risks.

“Systems were in place to investigate accidents and incidents and findings and outcomes were discussed at regular clinical meetings and staff meetings.” from the report

People and relatives generally said they felt safe. Inspectors saw staff respond promptly to a person's call for help.

“People and relatives told us they felt the service was safe” from the report

Staff monitored food, drink and skin health, made healthcare referrals when needed, and supported people to eat and drink at their own pace.

“We observed a pleasant atmosphere at lunch time, with social conversation between people and between staff and people they were supporting.” from the report

Residents' meetings and other feedback helped bring about changes, including more vegetables with main meals. People described managers as approachable.

“Regular residents' meetings were held to seek people's views.” from the report

The home had visiting protocols, screening and adapted spaces during COVID-19. People could receive visitors and, where appropriate, go out into the community.

“There were robust visiting protocols and health screening undertaken prior to entry.” from the report

Some people and staff reported short staffing, particularly when there were unplanned absences. Inspectors recommended better records to show that planned staffing matched people's needs.

“Some people and staff told us the service was sometimes short staffed.” from the report

Records were not readily available to show people's total agreed support hours or how often these were reviewed. The manager later provided a calculation showing planned staffing exceeded the home's calculated day-to-day needs.

“We recommend the registered manager improves recording systems to evidence regular reviews of people's agreed support hours and planned staffing levels.” from the report

In one case, staff did not consistently record why a when-required medicine had been given. The manager said this would be addressed, and there was no evidence the person was harmed.

“We identified one case where staff had not consistently recorded the reason for administering a when required medicine, which was against procedure.” from the report

Staff providing close assistance with eating and drinking wore fabric aprons instead of disposable plastic aprons. Inspectors raised this and the manager took immediate action.

“Staff who provided people with close physical assistance with eating and drinking, were wearing fabric aprons instead of disposable plastic aprons.” from the report

The home reviewed falls in clinical meetings, but did not have a specific audit to show whether agreed interventions reduced falls or injuries. The provider was developing its falls systems.

“However, there was not a specific audit process, which would be useful to evidence the success of agreed interventions against the number of falls and/or injuries.” from the report