CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Woodcroft
Rated Outstanding: inspectors found the home performing exceptionally well.
- Safe?
- Good
- People told inspectors they felt safe. The home used detailed risk assessments, equipment and monitoring systems to reduce risks, including falls, and had safe medicines and safeguarding procedures.
- Effective?
- Good
- People's needs and expected outcomes were assessed and reviewed. Staff received training and supervision, and the home worked well with health professionals.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- Inspectors found exceptional kindness, respect and emotional support. People were involved in decisions and supported to maintain dignity, independence and personal interests.
- Responsive?
- Outstanding
- Care was tailored closely to individual needs, preferences and life histories. Activities and adaptations, including personalised equipment and support with animals, helped people take part and improve their wellbeing.
- Well-led?
- Good
- The manager and staff were committed to person-centred care and continuous improvement. Audits, meetings and improvement plans were used to monitor and develop the home.
What inspectors found, March 2019
Rated Outstanding overall; inspectors found exceptionally caring and responsive care, with good safety, effectiveness and leadership.
This was an unannounced inspection on 22 February 2019. Inspectors spoke with 11 people, seven relatives and members of staff and management. They reviewed care and medicines records, staff recruitment files, training records, audits and other documents.
The home was rated Outstanding overall. Caring and Responsive were Outstanding. Safe, Effective and Well-led were Good. Inspectors found very person-centred care, strong emotional support, meaningful activities and staff who knew people's needs, preferences and histories well.
People were protected from avoidable harm and legal requirements were met in the Safe area. The report describes detailed risk management, safe medicines systems, good staff training and regular checks. The home had improved from Good at the previous inspection in September 2016.
Kind and emotional support
Inspectors found that staff showed empathy and provided exceptional care and emotional support. People and relatives consistently described compassionate care.
“The service provided outstanding care and emotional support to people living in the home.” from the report
Personalised care
Staff knew people in depth and used their preferences, histories and behaviour to shape support. This helped improve people's happiness and wellbeing.
“The registered manager and staff knew every person they cared for in depth, what was important to them and the best way to provide care to them.” from the report
Meaningful activities
People had choices about how to spend their time. Activities included trips out, music, films, caring for animals and creative work.
“Many people who lived in the home were involved in meaningful activities on a daily basis.” from the report
Reducing falls
The home worked with people, families and health professionals to find equipment that reduced falls while supporting independence. Inspectors saw examples where tailored equipment improved safety and quality of life.
“Since the introduction of the ultralow bed and the specialist chair the person had no recorded falls which dramatically improved their safety as well as their quality of life.” from the report
Strong leadership
The manager promoted person-centred care and encouraged staff to improve the service. Audits and an improvement plan were used to track changes.
“The registered manager displayed exceptional leadership qualities, drive and enthusiasm.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How would you assess and manage my relative's risks, particularly their risk of falling?
- 02What activities would match my relative's interests, history and abilities?
- 03How will you support my relative if they are living with dementia or their needs change?
- 04What arrangements are in place for end-of-life care and support for relatives?
- 05What refurbishment work is still planned, and how will it affect people living in the home?
This was an unannounced scheduled inspection covering all five CQC questions and both the care and premises provided by the home. This explanation was written from the published report of 15 March 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, September 2016
Woodcroft was rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and well-organised care, with some management checks affected by the registered manager's absence.
The inspection was unannounced and took place on 7 September 2016. One inspector spoke with managers, care staff and visitors. They reviewed three people's care records, management records and quality checks, and observed care on the dementia units.
Inspectors found all five areas rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. They found enough staff, safe medicines systems, suitable training, good support with food and health needs, respectful care and a good range of activities.
People's relatives and health professionals gave positive feedback. Care plans identified people's needs and risks. The home had systems for handling concerns and checking quality, although some routine night and weekend management spot checks had not taken place for some time because the registered manager was absent.
Staffing and safety
Inspectors found enough staff on day and night shifts, with suitable recruitment checks and staff who understood safeguarding and risk management.
“There were sufficient staff numbers and skill mix to meet people's needs safely.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff were observed speaking warmly to people, supporting their choices and protecting their privacy and dignity.
“People were treated as individuals with dignity, kindness and respect.” from the report
Personalised support
Care plans gave staff clear guidance about people's needs, preferences and risks. Relatives were involved in planning and reviews.
“Care plans were personalised to the individual and provided clear guidance for staff to follow.” from the report
Activities and relationships
People could choose from activities and were supported to stay connected with relatives and the wider community.
“People were supported and encouraged to engage in a range of activities within the home and in the wider community.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01Who is currently managing the home, and how is management cover arranged when the registered manager is absent?
- 02How are night and weekend checks carried out now, and how are any problems recorded and followed up?
- 03How do you check that people's medicines are stored, administered and recorded safely?
- 04How are relatives involved in updating care plans and reviewing changes in a person's needs?
- 05What activities are available for people living with dementia, including activities outside the home?
This was an unannounced inspection covering all five CQC questions and the overall rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 28 September 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 Woodcroft
2 rated inspections over 2 years: the service has improved, from Good to Outstanding.
- March 2019Outstandingcurrent ratingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Good
- September 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- October 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- August 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- September 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- November 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 24 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.
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
57 live-in carers within about an hour of Shropshire
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 £960 to £1,230 a week. 52 can care for a couple. 9 years' experience on average.
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.