CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Ridge House Residential Care Home
Rated Requires improvement: inspectors found the home was not performing as well as it should and told it what to change.
What inspectors found, March 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong infection control arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 17 February 2021. It checked how the home was preventing and controlling infections during the coronavirus pandemic.
The home was caring for 11 people at the time. Inspectors said they were assured that visitors were managed safely, people were admitted safely, and staff used protective equipment properly.
Staff had training in infection control, handwashing and putting on and removing protective equipment. The home carried out regular checks of staff practice and had plans for isolating people with symptoms and protecting staff at higher risk.
Visitor arrangements
The home supported visits through a garden pod with direct outdoor access. When visits were not possible, people could use telephone or video calls.
“People were supported to see their visitors in the specially designed pod in the garden with direct access to outside.” from the report
Staff training and checks
Staff had relevant infection control training. Their practice was checked regularly through spot checks and competency checks.
“Regular and frequent spot checks and competency checks were made to ensure staff continued to follow best practice guidance.” from the report
Plans for symptoms and outbreaks
Staff knew how to isolate people with symptoms. The home also had plans to protect vulnerable staff during an outbreak.
“Staff were trained and knew how to immediately isolate individuals with symptoms to avoid the virus spreading to other residents and staff members.” from the report
Activities and contact
The home continued activities and worked to keep residents occupied. People also received newspapers and maintained links with local school children.
“In house activities continued with staff working hard to keep residents entertained throughout the day.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are visitors currently supported, and is the garden pod still available?
- 02How often are staff infection control practices checked now?
- 03What happens if a resident develops symptoms of an infection?
- 04How are new admissions tested and kept safe from infection?
- 05What is the current plan for managing an infection outbreak and protecting vulnerable staff?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control, focused on Safe; the service was inspected but not rated and the other areas were not assessed. This explanation was written from the published report of 10 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, February 2020
Rated Good; inspectors found kind, personalised care, with a medicines record needing update.
This was an unannounced inspection over two days. Inspectors spoke with people living in the home, relatives, staff and visiting professionals. They observed care, checked the building and reviewed care, medicines, staffing and management records.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicines systems, detailed care plans, good training, clean surroundings and strong links with health professionals.
People were treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Staff understood people's routines, communication needs and interests. People were supported to take part in activities, go out and remain involved in their local community.
The overall rating fell from Outstanding at the previous inspection in 2017 to Good. The report does not identify a serious failing or any breach of regulations. It does note that records for some prescribed creams and lotions did not match the updated instructions.
Kind and respectful care
People and relatives consistently described staff as kind and caring. Staff supported privacy, dignity and independence in everyday care.
“People told us they were very well cared for by staff who were passionate about providing the best possible care.” from the report
Personalised support
Care plans recorded people's routines, preferences and health needs in detail. Staff adapted support to changes in people's abilities and communication.
“Care plans were detailed, easy to read, and ensured staff fully understood how each person wanted to be supported.” from the report
Safe staffing and surroundings
Inspectors found enough staff to meet people's needs safely. The home was clean and equipment and safety systems were checked regularly.
“There were enough staff employed to meet people's needs safely.” from the report
Activities and community links
People could choose from group activities, one-to-one support, outings and community events. Staff respected people who preferred to spend time in their rooms.
“People were supported and encouraged to go out regularly, and to participate in the local community.” from the report
Strong management checks
The management team used regular audits and feedback to monitor the service. Staff said they felt supported, and the staff team was stable.
“There were detailed and thorough audits and regular checks on all aspects of the service, such as medicines, food, cleaning and care plans.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01Have the medicines records for creams and lotions now been updated with the GP and pharmacy?
- 02How do you check that medicines instructions are changed promptly when a prescription or treatment plan changes?
- 03How would you support my relative if their dementia, communication or behaviour needs changed?
- 04What activities and community outings could my relative choose from, including one-to-one support?
- 05How often would my relative and our family be involved in reviewing the care plan?
This was an unannounced inspection that looked at the care provided, the premises, all five CQC questions and the home's records and management systems. This explanation was written from the published report of 29 February 2020 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. The report was longer than we could read in one go; the later sections may not be reflected.
Every inspection of Ridge House Residential Care Home
3 rated inspections over 5 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- March 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
Read what inspectors found at Ridge House Residential Care Home →
- February 2020Gooddown from OutstandingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
Read what inspectors found at Ridge House Residential Care Home →
- May 2017Outstandingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- March 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- November 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 12 January 2011.
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
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.