CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Barton Court
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, December 2020
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found good infection control practices during this targeted visit.
This was an unannounced, targeted inspection on 17 November 2020. Two inspectors spoke with the registered manager and looked at the layout and condition of the premises.
The inspection focused on infection prevention and control because of coronavirus outbreaks in care homes. Inspectors found that people were being supported to follow isolation and social distancing guidance, including people living with dementia who walked around the home.
Inspectors saw staff using personal protective equipment properly and found enough PPE available. They were assured about visitor controls, shielding, safe admissions, testing, cleanliness, and how outbreaks could be prevented or managed.
The home was inspected but not rated. Its previous Safe rating was Good, but that rating was not reviewed in full. The other areas were not assessed during this visit.
Social distancing support
People followed isolation and social distancing guidance. Staff supported people living with dementia who walked around the home in a gentle and individual way.
“People were adhering to current isolation and social distancing guidelines.” from the report
Use of PPE
Inspectors saw staff using PPE correctly and found adequate supplies around the home.
“We observed staff using personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately.” from the report
Infection control work
The registered manager worked with local services and agencies and updated staff practice about infection control.
“The registered manager was working with other local services and agencies in the area regarding infection control and had updated staff practice accordingly.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01When will the home have its next comprehensive inspection, covering all five key questions?
- 02How do staff currently support people living with dementia who walk around the home while maintaining their safety and social distancing?
- 03How does the home make sure there is enough PPE available and that staff use it correctly?
- 04How are visitors, new admissions and testing managed now?
- 05What arrangements are in place to prevent or manage any future infection outbreak?
This was an unannounced targeted inspection of infection prevention and control only; the previous Safe rating was not reviewed in full and the other key questions were not assessed. This explanation was written from the published report of 10 December 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, June 2019
Barton Court was rated Good in all areas; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care with effective management.
This was an unannounced inspection on 02 May 2019. Inspectors spoke with people living in the home, relatives, staff and health professionals. They observed care and checked care plans, risk assessments, medicines records, staffing, training, complaints and accident records.
The inspectors found people were safe and treated with kindness and respect. Staff were available, trained and recruited safely. Risks were assessed, medicines were managed safely, and the home was clean. People had choices about food, daily routines and activities, and their care plans were kept up to date.
The home supported people living with dementia and people with mobility problems. Inspectors found good access to health care, regular activities and support for independence. Complaints were investigated and used to make changes.
This was the first ratings inspection since the service registered under a new limited company in June 2018. The same manager, management team and staff team were in place. The home had previously been rated Good under its former legal entity.
Staff availability
Staffing was planned around people's needs. Inspectors saw staff available throughout the visit, and staffing levels matched the planned rota.
“During the inspection we observed that staff were always available to meet people's needs.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Inspectors saw staff speaking kindly to people, offering choices and protecting privacy and dignity during personal care.
“We observed staff being kind when they spoke to people with a smile and tender touch on the arm.” from the report
Personalised activities
Activities reflected people's interests and included music, quizzes, reading, celebrations and outings. Staff also used individual items to help reduce anxiety.
“People consistently told us they enjoyed the range of activities offered.” from the report
Listening and making changes
The home gathered views from people, relatives, staff and professionals. It made changes after feedback about drinks, sandwich choices and bedroom information.
“People told us that following the tea time survey they felt they had been listened to as more sandwich choices were now offered.” from the report
Quality oversight
The home used regular audits and meetings to monitor medicines, complaints, safeguarding, incidents and accidents. Actions were added to a service development plan.
“The service used thorough and robust quality monitoring systems.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are staffing levels adjusted when someone becomes unwell or needs more support?
- 02How will my relative's care plan be reviewed if their needs, health or preferences change?
- 03What activities are available for someone with my relative's interests and level of dementia?
- 04How will you support my relative with eating, drinking or a special diet if this becomes necessary?
- 05How are families kept informed about complaints, safeguarding concerns or changes in care?
This was an unannounced inspection looking at the premises and care provided, and it rated all five areas; it was the first ratings inspection under the new legal entity. This explanation was written from the published report of 22 June 2019 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 Barton Court
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- December 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- June 2019GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- June 2018
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 21 June 2018.
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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39 live-in carers within about an hour of Kent
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 £1,260 a week. 33 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“Always on time and with a lovely smile for my mum. Theresa is kind and sensitive to my mum's needs.”
“Irene was a very kind and empathetic carer who knew just the right words to say to put a smile on my face.”
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.