What the CQC found at Fairfield

Inspectors saw staff communicate well, protect privacy and dignity, and support people to make choices about daily life.

“Staff were kind and compassionate in the way they interacted with people and ensured people were comfortable in their surroundings.” from the report

People had choices of food and drink. Staff offered support and prompts, and the home monitored people who needed extra help with eating or drinking.

“People's nutritional and hydration needs were met.” from the report

People could take part in activities such as baking, gardening, arts and crafts and exercise. The home also provided trips and improved its garden areas.

“The provider used a recognised activity programme to ensure people received mental and physical stimulation every day of the week.” from the report

Complaints were investigated and actions were recorded. Feedback from people and relatives led to changes including improvements to activities.

“Each had been investigated and actions were recorded to use the issues raised to make overall improvements to the services provided.” from the report

When one care worker was absent in the afternoon, staff could be less responsive. A relative reported a long wait when two carers were needed for the toilet.

“When staffing numbers reduced by one member of care staff in the afternoon, it sometimes meant they could not be so responsive to people's requests for support.” from the report

Staff had not recorded where medicine patches were applied or checked daily that they were still in place. The manager said body maps and checks would be introduced.

“Staff had not completed records of where patches had been applied to ensure people were protected from these risks.” from the report

Some plans did not give enough guidance about behaviours that could cause anxiety to others. The manager said they would be reviewed.

“We found some risk management plans would benefit from more detail, especially those around behaviours that could cause anxiety to other people.” from the report

The provider had identified that individual guidance was needed for as-needed medicines. Work was underway to explain when and how these medicines should be given.

“The provider had already identified this as an area that required improvement.” from the report

The provider did not tell CQC promptly about the registered manager's absence and did not notify CQC about three liberty safeguard authorisations. These were later treated as oversights.

“We identified that the provider had not informed us of three authorisations to deprive people of their liberty.” from the report