What the CQC found at Carpathia Grange

The home was very clean, staff used protective equipment appropriately and visitors were checked. Inspectors said the infection prevention and control policy was robust.

“The service was extremely clean, there were no malodours.” from the report

Inspectors saw caring interactions and people said staff were helpful and kind. Relatives also gave positive feedback about the care and support offered to families.

“We saw very kind and caring interactions between staff and people.” from the report

People had choices of home-cooked food, and staff supported those who needed help to eat and drink. The chef understood specialist diets and presented pureed food attractively.

“People received a variety of home cooked food which met their nutritional needs and personal preferences.” from the report

There was a busy programme of activities, including reminiscence work in the dementia areas. People could join group activities, receive support in their rooms or choose not to take part.

“There was a busy activities programme and people could choose to participate, have input from staff in their rooms or opt out.” from the report

During the pandemic, the home used video meetings, social media, newsletters and online contact to keep relatives informed and involved.

“Relatives praised the service for keeping them informed and involved.” from the report

Records did not always explain how to manage high-risk medicines or long-term conditions. Records for medicines given when needed did not always show what was tried first or whether the medicine worked.

“Planning and records for people needing support with long term conditions or high-risk medicines was not always consistent.” from the report

Some care plans lacked guidance about diabetes, epilepsy, pacemakers, hearing and sight loss. Inspectors said staff knew people well, but clearer written information was needed.

“We saw some care plans lacked enough details.” from the report

Several staff members said there were not enough staff at busy times, and one relative said staff had little time to sit and talk. An extra staff member was added for the busiest times after the inspection.

“There are not enough staff. Two [staff members] for 11 [people], we have one admission today.” from the report

Some do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation records did not show that decisions had been discussed with relatives or anyone else. More detail was also needed in some advance care plans.

“There was not always evidence of best interest decisions or discussion with people's next of kin related to do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation, (DNACPR) documents.” from the report

Some actions from a fire risk assessment were still waiting for completion because the building was within its snagging period. The manager said the contractor was expected to complete them shortly.

“We noted there were some areas that had not been addressed following a fire risk assessment.” from the report