CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Holly Cottage LLP
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured about infection prevention and control. They found safe arrangements for visitors, PPE, testing, cleaning, social distancing and responding to possible outbreaks.
- Effective?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Responsive?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Good
- This area was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
What inspectors found, March 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong COVID-19 infection prevention measures at the home.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 4 March 2021. It focused on infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic, rather than giving a full service rating.
Inspectors were assured that the home used PPE safely, arranged regular testing, followed visiting and social distancing measures, and had plans for managing possible outbreaks. Visitors had temperature checks, completed health forms, washed their hands and used PPE.
The home had increased cleaning, enough cleaning supplies and an up-to-date infection control policy. People were supported to keep in touch with family and take part in activities, although these were not the main focus of the inspection.
The service was marked 'Inspected but not rated'. This means the visit checked particular infection control arrangements and did not provide a new overall quality rating.
Visitor safety checks
Visitors were checked on arrival and given instructions and protective equipment before entering.
“On arrival at the home visitors had their temperature taken, completed a health questionnaire and declaration.” from the report
PPE and staffing
The home had enough PPE, and staff had been trained to use it safely. Staff also worked flexibly so agency staff were not needed.
“All staff had received training in the correct use of PPE, and how to take it off and put it on safely.” from the report
Testing and outbreak plans
People living in the home and staff were tested regularly. Plans covered staffing and immediate action if someone had symptoms or tested positive.
“Contingency plans were in place in the event of anyone testing positive for COVID-19 or displaying symptoms.” from the report
Cleaning
Cleaning had been increased, especially for frequently touched surfaces, and staff knew which cleaning products to use.
“Cleaning of the home, including frequently touched surfaces, had increased to reduce the risk of transmission of infection.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are visitors currently checked and supported to reduce infection risks?
- 02How are staff trained and checked to make sure PPE is used correctly?
- 03How often are people living here and staff tested when there is a suspected infection?
- 04What would happen if someone living here developed symptoms or tested positive?
- 05How often are frequently touched surfaces cleaned, and which cleaning products are used?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control, and the service was inspected but not rated rather than receiving a full rating across all five questions. This explanation was written from the published report of 16 March 2021 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, September 2019
Holly Cottage LLP was rated Good overall; inspectors found safe, kind and person-centred care across all five areas.
This was a planned inspection on 29 August 2019. One inspector observed care, spoke with five people, three staff members and two relatives, and checked care records, medicine records and management audits.
The inspectors found that people felt safe and comfortable. Staff knew people well, supported choice and independence, managed medicines safely, and helped people take part in activities, relationships and community life.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. The service had the same overall Good rating at the previous inspection, published on 4 March 2017.
Choice and independence
People were supported to make choices and gain skills. Staff encouraged people to help with everyday tasks and to do as much as possible for themselves.
“The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion.” from the report
Kind, personalised care
Staff knew people well and understood their needs, interests and preferred ways of receiving support. People were treated with dignity and respect.
“Staff were kind and caring and knew each person well.” from the report
Safe systems
The home had risk assessments, equipment and fire safety checks, safe recruitment procedures and secure medicine arrangements.
“The provider had systems in place to manage risks and keep people safe from avoidable harm.” from the report
Community life
People were supported to maintain relationships, attend clubs, take holidays and take part in activities in the local community.
“People were supported to follow interests and to take part in activities that were socially and culturally relevant to them including active social club memberships.” from the report
Strong oversight
Managers used regular meetings, supervision and audits to monitor care and identify improvements. Staff said they felt well supported.
“The nominated individual and the registered manager carried out weekly and monthly audits.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are my relative's support plans reviewed, and how are they involved in those reviews?
- 02How do you make sure there are enough staff when people need extra support or want to go out?
- 03How are medicines checked and audited, and how are any errors or concerns dealt with?
- 04Which activities, clubs, holidays and community opportunities would be suitable for my relative?
- 05How do you work with healthcare professionals to monitor and support each person's health?
This was a planned inspection covering all five CQC questions, and inspectors looked at both the care provided and the premises. This explanation was written from the published report of 10 September 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 Holly Cottage LLP
3 rated inspections over 5 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- March 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- September 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- March 2017Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- February 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: Requires improvementCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- September 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- June 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- September 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- November 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 2 December 2010.
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
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17 live-in carers within about an hour of Cambridgeshire
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 £1,200 a week. 14 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
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.