CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Firstlings
Rated Outstanding: inspectors found the home performing exceptionally well.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured that infection risks were being managed, including the use of protective equipment, safe admissions, social distancing and hygiene.
- Effective?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Responsive?
- Outstanding
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Outstanding
- This area was not rated, although inspectors described clear policies, contingency plans and monitoring of the service's preparedness.
What inspectors found, September 2020
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong infection control arrangements during the coronavirus pandemic.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 27 August 2020. Inspectors looked at infection prevention and control measures as part of a national coronavirus review.
Inspectors found that the home had enough personal protective equipment, used it safely, and had processes to reduce the spread of infection. There had been no coronavirus outbreak at the home.
People were supported to understand coronavirus and to meet their families safely in the garden. Inspectors were assured that people were admitted safely and that shielding, social distancing, hygiene and premises arrangements were being followed.
The home was inspected but not rated. This means the inspection did not give a Good, Requires improvement or Inadequate rating, and it did not assess all areas of care.
Visible management leadership
The management team worked alongside staff and led the response to coronavirus.
“The management team led by example and worked as part of the team to combat Covid 19.” from the report
Protective equipment
Inspectors found enough protective equipment and appropriate procedures for changing clothes and equipment.
“There was enough PPE for staff to use and this was worn appropriately.” from the report
Clear communication
People were helped to understand coronavirus through accessible and creative methods, including pictures, games and one-to-one support.
“The service had been proactive and creative in helping people understand about Covid 19 and its effects, prevention, spread and control.” from the report
Safe family visits
The home arranged garden visits so people could see their families while observing social distancing.
“People were supported to see their families in the garden and a clear process and facilities had been put in place to make this happen.” from the report
Planning and oversight
Inspectors found risk assessments, policies and contingency plans covering infection risks and possible future coronavirus waves.
“Clear policies, procedures and contingency plans were in place.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What further resources or improvements did the CQC signpost the home to after this inspection?
- 02How have the home's infection control and visiting arrangements changed since the inspection on 27 August 2020?
- 03What is the home's current overall CQC rating, and when was the last full inspection?
- 04How does the home check the quality of care in areas that this targeted inspection did not assess?
- 05How are new admissions and family visits managed if there is an infection risk?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it was not a full inspection and the service was not rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 10 September 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, October 2019
Rated Outstanding overall; inspectors found exceptionally caring, responsive and well-led care, with safe and effective systems rated Good.
The inspection took place without notice on 12 August 2019. One inspector and an expert by experience visited. They spoke with 10 residents, three relatives, staff and health and social care professionals. They also checked care plans, recruitment records and quality checks.
Inspectors found that residents received highly personalised care. Staff knew people well, respected their choices and supported their independence. There were varied activities, strong support for families and especially good end of life care.
The home was rated Good for Safe and Effective. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicine systems, suitable training and good links with health professionals. Caring, Responsive and Well-led were rated Outstanding.
The overall rating improved from Good at the previous inspection, published in December 2016. Caring, Responsive and Well-led improved from Good to Outstanding, while Safe and Effective remained Good.
Kind and respectful staff
Staff knew residents well and treated them as individuals. They supported people's dignity, confidence and independence.
“Staff were wonderfully caring, kind and compassionate.” from the report
Personalised care
Care plans included people's histories, preferences and wishes. Staff found imaginative ways to help people enjoy meaningful experiences.
“People received excellent individualised care which was focused on them having a fulfilling life and making some of their dreams come true.” from the report
End of life support
Inspectors found particularly strong end of life care. Staff worked closely with health professionals and supported people's physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs.
“Staff provided outstanding end of life care and worked extremely closely with healthcare professionals to ensure people experienced a comfortable, dignified and pain free death.” from the report
Activities and relationships
Residents could take part in group or individual activities in the home, garden and local community. The home also supported contact with families and community groups.
“People had opportunities to engage in a range of activities within the home, the garden and the local community.” from the report
Strong leadership
The manager was visible and led by example. Staff understood their roles, worked as a team and were supported to improve their practice.
“The registered manager was an extraordinary role model for staff and truly led by example.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How would you meet my relative's specific care, mobility and health needs?
- 02What one-to-one activities are available if my relative does not want to join group activities?
- 03How do you support residents and families with end of life wishes, including cultural or spiritual preferences?
- 04How quickly are call bells answered, and how do you make sure staffing levels remain sufficient?
- 05How are relatives involved in care plan reviews and decisions about their family member's care?
This was an unannounced planned inspection that looked at the premises, care and all five CQC questions; the report says the previous overall rating was Good in December 2016. This explanation was written from the published report of 2 October 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 Firstlings
3 rated inspections over 4 years: the service has improved, from Good to Outstanding.
- September 2020Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- October 2019Outstandingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- December 2016Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- April 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- December 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 13 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.