What the CQC found at Maples Care Home

The home carried out assessments before people moved in. These covered physical, mental and social care needs.

“Pre-assessments were completed prior to people coming to live at the service to ensure their needs could be met.” from the report

Inspectors were assured that the home had arrangements to prevent and manage infections, including safe admissions and use of protective equipment.

“We were assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and safely.” from the report

The home carried out employment checks, obtained references and completed the required background checks for staff.

“The service had safe recruitment practices in place.” from the report

Inspectors found that staff generally worked within the rules about consent and mental capacity. People were encouraged to make day-to-day choices.

“We observed staff asking people for their consent before supporting them.” from the report

Personal emergency evacuation plans were in place and gave individual guidance about how people should be evacuated safely.

“People had Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) in place, these were person-centred and detailed how individuals, would safely be evacuated from the home in the event of an emergency.” from the report

Important risks, including choking, seizures, falls and diabetes, were not always covered by clear, current guidance. Inspectors found examples where people were put at risk during meals and repositioning.

“People were not protected from harm. Risks to people had not always been identified and assessed.” from the report

Creams were not always securely stored or clearly labelled. Many staff had not completed current medicines training or competency checks.

“Medicines were not always safely stored or managed appropriately, this placed people at risk of harm.” from the report

There were periods when no staff were visible in communal areas, people waited for help with meals and call bells were not always answered promptly.

“Staff were not always available to support people's needs in a timely manner.” from the report

Food and fluid records were incomplete and not properly reviewed. Some people did not receive the support or diet described in their care plans.

“People were not always supported to eat meals and drink enough amounts for their health and wellbeing.” from the report

Inspectors saw examples of people not being treated with dignity, including poor support with clothing and personal presentation. Some staff interactions were task-focused rather than respectful.

“People were not always treated in a dignified way.” from the report

Quality monitoring did not reliably identify or correct unsafe care. Complaints, incidents, care records and feedback were not consistently recorded, analysed or acted on.

“The provider had failed to ensure systems for governance and management oversight were robust, safe, and effective.” from the report