CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Ernest Luff Homes
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors found that risks were assessed and reviewed, medicines were handled safely, the home was clean and staffing levels were assessed according to people's needs.
- Effective?
- Good
- People received care based on assessments of their needs and choices. Staff had relevant training, supported people to eat and drink well, and worked with healthcare professionals.
- Caring?
- Good
- Staff treated people with kindness, dignity and respect. People were involved in decisions, offered choices and encouraged to remain as independent as possible.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care plans recorded people's histories, preferences and communication needs. Inspectors found varied activities, support for faith and family connections, and a complaints process.
- Well-led?
- Good
- Inspectors found clear leadership, supportive teamwork and regular checks on quality. People, relatives and staff were asked for feedback and improvements were followed up.
What inspectors found, August 2019
Ernest Luff Homes was rated Good in all five areas; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care.
This was an unannounced inspection on 3 July 2019. One inspector and an Expert by Experience spoke with three people, six staff and the registered manager. They observed care and checked care plans, medicines, recruitment, training and quality records.
Inspectors found that people were safe and that risks, medicines, infection control and staffing were managed properly. Staff were trained and people received support with food, healthcare and daily choices.
People were treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Care was personalised, activities were varied and people could maintain family, community and faith connections. The home also supported people at the end of their lives in line with their wishes.
The overall rating was Good, with Good ratings for Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. This was the same overall rating as the previous inspection, published in January 2017.
People felt safe
People told inspectors they felt safe. Staff understood safeguarding and knew how to report concerns.
“People were safe and protected from avoidable harm. Legal requirements were met.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff supported people with kindness and protected their privacy, dignity and independence.
“People were supported and treated with dignity and respect; and involved as partners in their care.” from the report
Personalised support
Care plans included people's histories, preferences and communication needs. Activities were varied and linked to people's interests.
“People's needs were met through good organisation and delivery.” from the report
Strong management
Inspectors found a clear management structure, supportive staff teamwork and regular quality checks.
“The service was consistently managed and well-led. Leaders and the culture they created promoted high quality, person-centred care.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How would you support my relative if they are living with dementia, and which staff have dementia-specific training?
- 02How would you involve me and my relative in creating and reviewing the care plan?
- 03How would you match activities to my relative's interests, hobbies, faith and communication needs?
- 04How do you respond if my relative's health, mobility, eating or drinking needs change?
- 05How would you discuss and respect my relative's wishes about end-of-life care?
This was an unannounced inspection that considered all five CQC questions and the overall quality and safety of the care home. This explanation was written from the published report of 15 August 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.
What inspectors found, January 2017
Ernest Luff Homes was rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care, with effective management and no reported breaches.
The inspection was unannounced and took place on 23 and 27 September 2016. Inspectors spoke with people living at the home, relatives, staff and health professionals. They also observed care and checked care records, medicines records, recruitment files, staff rotas, complaints and quality checks.
The home provided accommodation and personal care for up to 28 older people and people living with dementia. There were 22 people using the service during the inspection, and the home did not provide nursing care. Inspectors found enough suitably recruited staff, safe medicines systems and clear risk assessments.
People's health, food and drink needs were supported. Staff were described as kind, respectful and attentive. Care plans recorded people's histories, likes and dislikes, and people were supported with activities, relationships and faith preferences.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. This means inspectors found the home was meeting the required standards at the time of this inspection. The report does not give a previous rating for comparison.
Enough skilled staff
Inspectors found staffing levels were good and staff had been recruited safely. Staff had the skills and knowledge needed to support people safely.
“There were sufficient staff who had been recruited safely and who had the correct skills and knowledge to provide care and support in ways that people preferred.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff knew people well and treated them politely and with dignity. They understood how to reduce distress in a caring way.
“People were treated with kindness and respect by staff who understood their needs and preferences.” from the report
Health and nutrition
Staff monitored people's health and worked with health professionals when needed. Food and drink were provided to meet individual needs, with choices available.
“People's health needs were managed effectively with input from relevant health professionals and people had sufficient food and drink that met their individual needs.” from the report
Personalised activities
Care plans recorded personal histories, preferences and routines. People were supported to enjoy activities and keep in touch with family and friends.
“People were encouraged to enjoy pastimes and interests of their choice and were supported to maintain relationships with friends and family so that they were not socially isolated.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01The report says the home does not provide nursing care. How would you arrange and support any nursing needs my relative develops?
- 02The report says a dementia pilot was due to start in January 2017. What changes were introduced as a result, and how are they used now?
- 03What improvements from the extensive development programme described in the report have been completed?
- 04How would you involve my relative and our family in care planning, decisions about preferences and feedback?
- 05How would you support my relative to take part in activities, maintain relationships and follow their faith preferences if they wish?
This was an unannounced inspection of the overall service, including all five key questions, and the ratings given were based on evidence gathered during the two inspection visits. This explanation was written from the published report of 19 January 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 Ernest Luff Homes
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- August 2019Goodcurrent ratingstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2017GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- October 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- June 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- March 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- October 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 17 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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35 live-in carers within about an hour of Essex
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 £1,020 to £1,260 a week. 25 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
“Not only was she professional, polite and efficient but she bought a lovely smile and laughter to my parents home.”
“She brought fun and stimulation into mums life.”
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.