CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at 320 Hempstead Road
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- People were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Inspectors found that risks were assessed and reviewed, medicines were given as prescribed and staffing levels were enough to keep people safe.
- Effective?
- Good
- Staff had relevant training, supervision and support. People were supported with food, drink, healthcare and decisions about their care.
- Caring?
- Good
- Staff were respectful and gave people time to communicate. People's privacy and dignity were maintained, and they were encouraged to do things for themselves.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Support plans reflected people's needs, preferences and wishes. People were supported with activities, holidays, outings and keeping in touch with family and friends.
- Well-led?
- Good
- Inspectors found approachable management, regular checks of the service and a culture where people and staff could give feedback. The home worked with outside health and social care services.
What inspectors found, March 2017
Avenues South East - 320 Hempstead Road was rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care across all five areas.
This was an unannounced, comprehensive inspection on 07 February 2017. One inspector spoke with people, staff, managers and healthcare professionals. They also observed care and checked care records, medicines, staff files, rotas and audits.
The home supported four people with learning disabilities, autism and limited verbal communication. Inspectors found that people were safe, medicines were managed properly and there were enough staff. Staff understood people's needs and risks.
People received support with food, drink, health appointments and activities. Staff treated people with dignity, respected privacy and supported communication in ways that worked for each person. Support plans were personal and kept up to date.
All five areas were rated Good: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. This was the same overall rating and the same rating in all areas as at the previous inspection on 22 July 2014.
Safe support
Staff knew people's individual needs and risks. Inspectors found enough staff and safe medicines procedures.
“There were enough staff to keep people safe.” from the report
Respectful care
Staff used people's preferred communication methods, gave them time and protected their privacy and dignity.
“We observed positive interactions between people and staff.” from the report
Personalised plans
Each person had a current support plan covering their preferences and how staff should provide care. Plans were reviewed and updated when needs changed.
“Each person had an up to date support plan which set out for staff how their needs should be met.” from the report
Activities and relationships
People were supported to take part in activities suited to their interests and to stay in contact with family and friends.
“People remained active and participated in a variety of activities and events that met their social and physical needs.” from the report
Good management checks
Managers carried out regular audits and used action plans to identify and address improvements.
“They completed monthly audits of all aspects of the service, such as medication, kitchen, infection control, personnel, learning and development for staff.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How will you support my relative to communicate their needs and choices?
- 02How often will my relative's support plan and risk assessments be reviewed?
- 03What activities could my relative take part in, and how would you support their personal interests?
- 04How would you help my relative keep in touch with family and friends?
- 05How would you keep me informed about healthcare appointments and any changes in my relative's needs?
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection covering all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. This explanation was written from the published report of 21 March 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.
Every inspection of 320 Hempstead Road
2 rated inspections over 2 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- March 2017Goodcurrent ratingstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- February 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- October 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 24 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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91 live-in carers within about an hour of Medway
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 £980 to £1,250 a week. 78 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
“Usha rapidly became 'one of the family' and is sorely missed.”
“Always on time and with a lovely smile for my mum. Theresa is kind and sensitive to my mum's needs.”
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.