CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Link House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, June 2019
Link House was rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and person-centred care, with some records and safety checks needing improvement.
The inspection took place on 18 April 2019. One inspector reviewed care records, medicines records, staff rotas, training, audits and other documents. They also checked the environment, observed staff, spoke with people, relatives, staff and professionals.
The home was providing personal care and support to six young people with learning disabilities. Inspectors found people were safe, medicines were managed properly, staffing levels were suitable and staff were safely recruited.
Care was described as kind, respectful and tailored to each person. People were supported to make choices, stay independent, access health care, eat well and take part in activities. The home also had systems for handling complaints and checking the quality of care.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. The previous inspection, published in October 2016, also rated the service Good.
Kind and respectful staff
Inspectors saw a caring approach. Staff gave people time to communicate and supported their privacy, dignity and choices.
“We saw the staff approach was caring and considerate.” from the report
Personalised communication
Care plans and menus were adapted to people's communication needs. Makaton symbols, pictures and other methods helped people understand and make choices.
“The care plans were written in ways that supported the person to understand them and reflected their communication needs.” from the report
Good activities and independence
People were supported with household tasks, shopping, meals, community activities, holidays and contact with family and friends.
“Staff supported people to participate in a range of meaningful activities.” from the report
Safe medicines and staffing
Medicines were stored, given, recorded and returned safely. Inspectors also found enough staff and safe recruitment checks.
“There was a good system in place for the management of medicines.” from the report
Strong end of life support
The report describes compassionate support that followed a person's wishes and kept relatives informed.
“End of life care is provided. I am aware this was done with dignity for the person and other residents were supported well through the difficult time.” from the report
Emergency evacuation information
needs fixingPersonal emergency evacuation plans needed more information. The registered manager was asked to address this.
“The personal emergency evacuation plans for each person required more information” from the report
Water safety assessment
needs fixingA risk assessment for stored water and legionnaires disease had not been completed at the inspection. Staff had taken some interim steps, and management said it would be addressed quickly.
“An assessment of stored water in the service, to minimise the risk of legionnaires disease, had not been completed” from the report
First aid training
minorStaff had completed first aid training, but said it was some time ago and needed updating.
“Staff had completed first aid training but said this was some time ago and required an update.” from the report
- 01Have the personal emergency evacuation plans been completed with all the information each person needs?
- 02Has the legionnaires disease risk assessment for stored water now been completed, and what actions followed it?
- 03Has first aid training been updated for the staff team?
- 04How are people and their families involved in reviewing personalised care plans and communication methods?
- 05How do you make sure activities continue to match each person's interests, choices and changing needs?
This was a planned inspection covering all five CQC questions, including the premises and care; the previous rating was Good. This explanation was written from the published report of 5 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.
What inspectors found, October 2016
Link House was rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and well-organised care across all five areas.
Inspectors visited on 2 August 2016. It was a short-notice announced inspection. They spoke with people living at the home, care staff and the registered manager. They also observed care and checked care plans, staff files, maintenance records, meeting minutes and audits.
Seven people were living at the home, which could support up to eight people with learning disabilities and mental health problems. Inspectors found enough staff, clear care plans and suitable risk assessments. Medicines were stored safely and records were accurate.
People were treated with kindness and respect. They were supported to make choices, stay as independent as possible, eat and drink well, attend health appointments and take part in activities. The home was rated Good for Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led.
Enough staff
Inspectors found staffing levels were based on people's needs. People and staff said help was available during the day and at night.
“We found that there were sufficient staff to meet the needs of people using the service.” from the report
Safe medicines
Medicines were locked away, stock was checked and records were accurate. Internal and pharmacy audits found no actions were needed.
“Medicines were kept in a locked area. There was good stock control. Records about people's medicines were accurately completed.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff were patient and sensitive. They respected privacy, choices and people's wish to remain independent.
“All the staff approached people in a kindly manner. They were patient and sensitive to people's needs.” from the report
Meaningful activities
People took part in exercise, shopping, cinema trips, holidays and community events. Staff supported people to plan these activities.
“People shared with us how staff had helped them plan holidays to places such as Blackpool and a holiday camp.” from the report
People's views valued
People were asked for their views through questionnaires and meetings. Information was provided in words and pictures.
“People told us they could express their views to the registered manager and all staff and felt their opinions were valued in the running of the home.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are current staffing levels calculated for each person's needs, including cover for sickness and holidays?
- 02What is the current position for people who need Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, and are any authorisations or applications still being reviewed?
- 03How are medicines audits completed now, and what happens if an error or missing record is found?
- 04How are people's activity choices reviewed, including community outings, day-centre visits and holidays?
- 05How often are care plans reviewed with each person, and how are changes shared with staff and families?
This was a short-notice announced inspection of the overall service, covering all five CQC questions and the overall rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 14 October 2016 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 Link House
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- June 2019Goodcurrent ratingstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- October 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- October 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- July 2012
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 10 July 2012.
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
9 live-in carers within about an hour of Lincolnshire
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.
8 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
“Martin was more than a carer, he managed the home and became my uncle's best friend, enriching his life during his last few years.”
“Magda was always positive and proactive about trying new things to keep dad busy. She also introduced new ideas for keeping dad healthy.”
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.