CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Groveland Park Care Home
Rated Outstanding: inspectors found the home performing exceptionally well.
- Safe?
- Good
- People were protected from avoidable harm. Risks, staffing, infection control and medicines were managed safely, although inspectors discussed a gap in the legionella risk assessment.
- Effective?
- Good
- Staff were trained and supported, people's needs were assessed, and care was coordinated with health professionals. People received suitable support with food, drink, health care and consent.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- Staff provided exceptionally kind and personalised care. People were treated with dignity and respect, encouraged to remain independent, and supported to maintain important relationships and community links.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care plans reflected people's needs and preferences. The home offered a wide range of activities, supported communication and community links, and dealt with complaints appropriately.
- Well-led?
- Outstanding
- Leadership was exceptional. The home had strong teamwork, open communication, effective quality checks and a clear focus on learning and improving care.
What inspectors found, June 2019
Rated Outstanding; inspectors found exceptionally caring and well-led support, with safe, effective and responsive care rated Good.
Inspectors visited the home without notice on 23 and 25 April 2019. They spoke with people, relatives, staff and health professionals. They observed care and activities, and checked care plans, medicine records, staff files, audits and meeting records.
People were found to be safe. Risks and medicines were managed well, staffing was suitable, and staff were trained and supported. Care records were detailed, people's health needs were followed up, and complaints were handled effectively.
The strongest findings were about kindness, dignity, choice and independence. Inspectors also found exceptional leadership, strong teamwork, effective checks and a culture of learning. The overall rating rose from Good at the previous inspection, published in August 2016, to Outstanding.
Kind and personal care
Staff took time to understand people as individuals and made efforts to fulfil personal wishes. People and relatives said the care improved their lives.
“The staff team demonstrated outstanding care and compassion towards the people they supported.” from the report
Dignity and independence
People were supported to make choices, do what they could for themselves and stay connected with their families, faith and local community.
“People were encouraged to be independent, to make choices about all aspects of their lives and were supported to maintain links they had with the community.” from the report
Strong leadership
The management team led by example and acted on feedback. Audits and action plans helped the home maintain standards and make improvements.
“There was an open and positive organisational culture with highly effective quality assurance processes at the home.” from the report
Activities and family involvement
People could take part in varied activities, outings and community links. Families were welcomed and invited to events and shared meals.
“The home took a person-centred approach to provide a wide range of activities and social events to engage and stimulate people and reduce possible isolation.” from the report
Good safety systems
Inspectors found suitable systems for managing risks, medicines, safeguarding, staffing and emergencies. Medicines records were complete and staff administering medicines were assessed as competent.
“Medicines were managed safely and effectively.” from the report
Legionella responsibilities
minorThe legionella risk assessment did not clearly set out some less frequent responsibilities. The provider arranged a new assessment during the inspection.
“The legionella risk assessment which had assessed the home as low risk, did not clearly identify less frequent responsibilities under the scheme” from the report
Accessible menus
minorInspectors did not see easy-read or pictorial menus. The home said it would make these available, while people who needed help were offered a visual choice of meals.
“We observed there were no easy read menus or pictorial menus available and we discussed this with the registered manager.” from the report
Breakfast staffing concern
minorOne relative felt staffing was not always enough at breakfast. Inspectors observed breakfast and found people were attended to promptly, with no lengthy waits recorded.
“A relative said they though the staffing levels at breakfast time were not always sufficient.” from the report
- 01What easy-read or pictorial menus are now available for people who need them?
- 02How do you check staffing levels at breakfast and respond if people need more support?
- 03What changes were made to the legionella risk assessment after the inspection?
- 04How will you make sure my relative's care plan reflects their personal wishes, communication needs and independence?
- 05What activities, outings and family events could my relative take part in?
This was an unannounced scheduled inspection covering all five key questions and both the premises and care provided; the previous overall rating was Good. This explanation was written from the published report of 7 June 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 Groveland Park Care Home
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has improved, from Good to Outstanding.
- June 2019Outstandingcurrent ratingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: GoodWell-led: Outstanding
- August 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- September 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- March 2013
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 1 March 2013.
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.
Weigh the report against the rest
Fees, photos and reviews from families
How to read CQC ratings and reports
What to check when you visit
At least 100 live-in carers within about an hour of Bexley
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 £980 to £1,250 a week. 85 can care for a couple. 11 years' experience on average.
“She cared for my mum with Alzheimer's with endless patience and kindness, always arriving with a smile and a positive attitude”
“Usha rapidly became 'one of the family' and is sorely missed.”
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.