What the CQC found at Maidstone Care Centre

People and relatives described staff as caring. Inspectors saw staff protect privacy, offer reassurance and encourage independence.

“People were treated with dignity and respect; their privacy was protected, and they were encouraged to be independent where possible.” from the report

The home was clean and well decorated. Infection prevention and control arrangements were considered safe.

“The service was clean and well decorated and infection control was safely managed.” from the report

Nurses and care staff had the knowledge and training needed to provide care. Training records were mostly up to date.

“Nurses and care staff had received training and had the knowledge and skills they needed to safely provide care.” from the report

The home had improved how it recorded and reported safeguarding concerns. It was no longer in breach of Regulation 13.

“At this inspection we found enough improvement had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of Regulation 13.” from the report

At least 20 bedrooms did not have call bells, including rooms used by some people cared for in bed. Some risks also lacked clear guidance or accurate monitoring.

“At least twenty bedrooms did not have call bells with little or no explanation for this.” from the report

An insulin dose had not been updated for six months. A medicine cupboard was unlocked, temperature checks were missed, and the effects of some as-needed medicines were not recorded.

“Medicines were not always managed safely.” from the report

Inspectors saw little active engagement, and activities did not always take place. People cared for in bed did not have individual plans or records of one-to-one interaction to reduce isolation.

“On the day of our inspection we saw little evidence that people were stimulated or enjoyed any hobbies or interests.” from the report

Audits and action plans did not identify or resolve problems. Issues found in earlier checks, including missing call bells and limited activities, were still present.

“Quality monitoring processes, such as audits, were in place but were not effective in identifying concerns.” from the report

Some care plans were out of date or difficult for staff to use. Records did not always clearly explain decisions such as using bed rails.

“Although appropriate DoLS authorisations were in place there was inconsistency in recording best interest decisions and lack of clarity about best interest meetings being held.” from the report