CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at New Treetops
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, February 2021
New Treetops was inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured about infection control and found clean premises, testing and protective measures in place.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 21 January 2021. It checked how the home was preventing and controlling infection during the coronavirus pandemic, rather than reviewing all areas of care.
Inspectors found the premises clean and well maintained. Staff used personal protective equipment correctly, followed cleaning and social distancing procedures, and supported regular testing for staff and people living there.
The home had procedures for visitors, admissions, laundry, waste and possible outbreaks. Staff also helped people keep in touch with their families and sought advice from outside agencies.
The service was inspected but not rated. The report gives no overall rating and no ratings for most of the five questions.
Clean surroundings
The home had extra cleaning schedules, regular deep cleaning and frequent cleaning of high-touch areas.
“The premises were clean and well maintained. Additional cleaning schedules had been introduced since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.” from the report
Protective equipment
Protective equipment was readily available, and each person had a separate clinical waste bin to support safe disposal.
“There were trollies stocked with personal protective equipment (PPE) stationed around the home and each person had their own clinical waste bin” from the report
Testing and screening
Staff and people living at the home were supported to access regular testing. Visitors followed procedures for testing and screening.
“Staff accessed weekly testing. People who used the service were also supported to access regular testing.” from the report
Family contact
Staff supported people to keep in contact with their families, with a separate visiting area available when visits could take place.
“Staff supported people to remain in contact with their families in line with government guidance.” from the report
Staff support and leadership
The assistant manager was visible in the home and supported staff. The home also had a contingency plan and an admission policy.
“The assistant manager was visible and supported staff on the floor.” from the report
Further development
minorInspectors signposted the provider to resources to continue developing its infection prevention and control approach.
“We have also signposted the provider to resources to continue to develop their approach.” from the report
- 01What infection prevention and control changes have been made since the inspection?
- 02How are visitors currently tested and screened before entering the home?
- 03How is regular testing arranged for staff and people living at the home?
- 04How are shared bathrooms, high-touch areas and equipment cleaned?
- 05What resources did the home use to continue developing its infection prevention and control approach?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it did not rate the other areas of care. This explanation was written from the published report of 3 February 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, May 2018
New Treetops was rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care, with less frequent outings at weekends.
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection on 8 April 2018. One inspector observed care, spoke with a relative, staff and a healthcare professional, checked the home and reviewed medicines, care plans, risk records, complaints, accidents and staff records.
The home provides respite accommodation and personal care for up to six adults with learning disabilities. Five people were staying there during the inspection. Inspectors found that staff knew people well, communicated in their preferred ways and supported their choices, independence, health and daily routines.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. The home was also rated Good at the previous inspection in October 2015. CQC said there was no evidence of serious risks or concerns and that the service remained Good.
Safe staffing and medicines
Inspectors found enough staff to meet people's needs, including one-to-one support where required. Staff were trained in medicines and their competence was checked regularly.
“Staff numbers were sufficient to ensure people were safe from risks and their needs were met.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
People appeared comfortable with staff and enjoyed their company. Staff respected privacy and dignity and supported people to take part in daily activities.
“The atmosphere at the home was jovial with people clearly enjoying staff's company.” from the report
Good understanding of people's needs
Staff knew how people communicated and what support they needed. Care plans included detailed guidance about routines, preferences and communication.
“Care plans contained detailed information about how best to communicate with people and how to use body language, signs and interpretation to best understand people.” from the report
People's choices were respected
People and relatives were involved in care planning and reviews. Staff supported people to make choices about food, activities and how they spent their time.
“People were supported to make choices about what they wanted to eat and encouraged to help prepare meals where they were able.” from the report
Open management
Staff said they could speak openly with managers and make suggestions. The home used feedback, audits and checks to improve care and safety.
“There were effective systems in place to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of the care and support being delivered.” from the report
Fewer weekend outings
minorStaffing numbers meant people could not go out very often at weekends. Staff provided activities and stimulation inside the home instead.
“Staffing numbers did not allow for people to go out very often during the weekend but staff used the resources available to ensure people were stimulated and enjoyed themselves within the home.” from the report
- 01How often can people go out at weekends, and how do you decide who receives support to go out?
- 02How will you communicate with my relative in their preferred way, such as signs, pictures or body language?
- 03How will you keep my relative's care plan and routines up to date between respite stays?
- 04What support would be available if my relative had a seizure or another health emergency?
- 05How will you involve our family in decisions, reviews, meetings and feedback about the service?
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection covering all five CQC questions, and the home, care provided, records, medicines, meals, staffing and management systems were examined. This explanation was written from the published report of 11 May 2018 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 New Treetops
2 rated inspections over 2 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- February 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- May 2018Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- December 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- February 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- November 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 23 November 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.
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17 live-in carers within about an hour of Devon
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 £1,270 a week. 15 can care for a couple. 13 years' experience on average.
“She is such a warm and gentle person while being professional and competent at the same time.”
“She looked after my mum, who can be incredibly challenging, so well and so gently, and we always felt confident that my mum was getting the best care available.”
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.