CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Beechmount
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- People told inspectors they felt safe. Risks were assessed, medicines were generally managed safely, staff were recruited safely and infection control arrangements were in place. Some 'as required' medicines records needed more detail.
- Effective?
- Good
- The report did not give a rating for Effective during this inspection.
- Caring?
- Good
- The report did not give a rating for Caring during this inspection, although inspectors described person-centred care and staff who knew people well.
- Responsive?
- Good
- The report did not give a rating for Responsive during this inspection.
- Well-led?
- Good
- Inspectors found a positive culture, person-centred care plans, open communication and effective audits and action plans. People, relatives and staff were able to give feedback.
What inspectors found, October 2022
Rated Good; inspectors found safe, caring support and strong management, with some 'as required' medicines records needing more detail.
The inspection was unannounced and took place on 12 and 13 September 2022. Inspectors observed care, spoke with people, relatives, staff and health professionals, and checked care, medicines, recruitment and management records.
The home was rated Good overall. Safe and well-led were both rated Good. People said they felt safe, staff understood their needs, risks were managed, infection control measures were in place and there were enough staff observed during the inspection.
Inspectors found positive, person-centred care and effective checks by managers. They recommended that records for 'as required' medicines give staff clearer information about when the medicine is needed and what should be tried first.
People felt safe
People said they were happy and safe. Staff had safeguarding training and knew how to raise concerns.
“People told us they were happy living at the service, and they felt safe.” from the report
Person-centred support
Care plans included people's histories, interests, likes and dislikes. Staff knew people's needs and preferences well.
“Care plans were person-centred and contained information about people's histories, interests, likes and dislikes.” from the report
Strong oversight
Managers used checks, audits and action plans to monitor quality and support improvements.
“Quality assurance systems in place were robust and effective in managing the risks to the quality and safety of the service.” from the report
Good partnership working
Staff made timely referrals and followed advice from health professionals, including advice about nutrition.
“Where advice was given by professionals, we saw this was recorded in people's care records and the advice was followed.” from the report
As-required medicines guidance
needs fixingSome records did not explain clearly enough how staff would know when an 'as required' medicine was needed or what to try first. The CQC made a recommendation for these records to be reviewed.
“Some records relating to medicines that were to be given 'as required' needed to be more detailed” from the report
Some people felt staff were busy
minorMost people said there were enough staff, but some felt staff were under pressure and that more staff were needed. Inspectors observed enough staff to support people safely during the visit.
“Too much pressure on a few people (staff). They are wearing them out.” from the report
- 01What changes have you made to the records and guidance for 'as required' medicines?
- 02How do you decide how many staff are needed on each shift?
- 03How do you respond when people say staff are under pressure or too busy?
- 04How are people's care plans updated when their preferences, risks or health needs change?
- 05How can residents and relatives give feedback, and what improvements have followed from it?
This inspection focused on Safe and Well-led; the report did not give ratings for Effective, Caring or Responsive. This explanation was written from the published report of 13 October 2022 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, January 2019
Beechmount was rated Good overall; inspectors found kind, safe and responsive care, with some building and medicines issues being addressed.
This was an unannounced inspection on 10 December 2018. Inspectors arrived early to see the night team, staff handover and how work was organised. They spoke with people, relatives, staff and healthcare professionals, observed care, and checked care records, medicines, recruitment and safety records.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found that people received their medicines as prescribed, had enough staff, and were supported by staff who understood their needs. Care plans were detailed and staff worked well with health professionals.
People and relatives described staff as kind, friendly and committed. Activities reflected people's interests, visitors were welcome, and complaints were listened to. Inspectors also found some tired areas, an odour problem and fire doors that were not closing well, but action was underway.
Kind and respectful care
Inspectors saw staff protect people's dignity and support their independence. People and relatives spoke positively about staff's kindness and commitment.
“We saw staff supporting people in ways that maintained their dignity.” from the report
Detailed care planning
Care plans gave staff clear guidance about people's health, routines, communication and emotional needs. Staff were seen following these plans.
“Each person had a care plan that described their care needs and guided staff in the delivery of care and support to people.” from the report
Good healthcare support
The home contacted healthcare professionals early and acted on their advice. Staff had clear guidance for managing several health conditions.
“Two visiting healthcare professionals told us the service responded well to their requests, called them in at an early stage and acted on their advice.” from the report
Activities and family involvement
Activities matched people's interests and relatives were welcome to visit and take part in care planning and events.
“Visitors were welcomed to the home at any time” from the report
Visible management
Managers were regularly present and described as approachable. The service had clear responsibilities, audits and ways for people and staff to give feedback.
“People and relatives told us the management team was responsive, kind and listened to them.” from the report
Medicine labelling
needs fixingA half tablet being kept for later use was in an unlabelled bag. The pharmacist was contacted during the inspection, but families should check how this is now controlled.
“As this was not labelled it was not clear what the medicine or prescribing instructions were.” from the report
Fire doors and flooring
needs fixingSome fire doors were not closing properly and part of the floor had sunk. The floor was repaired during the inspection and replacement door closures were being arranged.
“On the inspection we identified some fire doors were not closing well in the frames and an area of the floor in one area had sunken.” from the report
Tired areas and odours
minorSome parts of the building looked tired and there was an odour problem in some areas. Redecoration and replacement of a lounge carpet were underway.
“Some areas of the building were looking tired, but action was under way to redecorate the hallways and landings and re-carpet the lounge.” from the report
Dementia-friendly layout
minorThe size and layout of the building could make it difficult for people living with dementia to find their way around. Some signage had been removed while work was underway.
“The building presented some difficulties in supporting people living with dementia, in that it was large and not particularly easy to navigate.” from the report
- 01Have all the fire doors been repaired so that they close properly?
- 02How are medicines and part tablets given when needed labelled, stored and recorded now?
- 03What building improvements have been completed since the inspection, including the flooring, carpets and signage?
- 04How do staff help people living with dementia find their way around the home?
- 05How are relatives involved in reviewing care plans and raising concerns?
This was an unannounced inspection covering all five quality areas, including the building and care provided; the previous Good ratings from 6 November 2017 were checked and sustained. This explanation was written from the published report of 11 January 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 Beechmount
5 rated inspections over 8 years: the service has improved, from Requires improvement to Good.
- October 2022Goodcurrent ratingstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodWell-led: Good
- December 2017Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2016Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- April 2015Requires improvementSafe: Requires improvementEffective: Requires improvementCaring: Requires improvementResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Requires improvement
- October 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 19 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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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.
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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.