A DUKINFIELD care home has been taken out of special measures after inspectors found required improvements.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) previously voiced their worries after visiting The Lakes Care Centre, off Boyds Walk, and rated it as inadequate.
They included people telling them they were bored and them even requesting three people were placed on the correct diet.
Various areas of the home were not suitable and the registered manager took immediate action to remove people from one area of the home due to concerns regarding fire safety.
But the CQC’s latest inspection has found enough of an uplift in standards to take it out of special measures, even though it is still rated as ‘requires improvement.’
Staff were praised for ‘going beyond the call of duty’ however, there is still some way to go.
A new report states: “We found significant improvements of the premises had been made, however all required checks, repairs and maintenance to the buildings were not yet fully completed.
“People’s nutritional needs were being met. People told us the food had improved. We saw drinks were readily available for people.
“The kitchen was awarded a five-star food hygiene rating by the Food Standards Agency. People were treated with dignity and respect. Staff supported people with patience and compassion.
“People spoke positively about the staff. One person said: “The staff are brilliant. They go beyond the call of duty.”
“People and their relatives were positive about the recent changes and how the home was now run and organised.
“Staff spoke very positively about the improvements the consultants had put in place and the difference this had made.
“Relatives told us: “The place is spotless, and the staff are brilliant. I know [person] is safe here and they are looking after [person] properly,” and “I must admit the place has got a better feel about it in the last few months. When I leave here, I have no concerns about [persons] wellbeing and safety.”
A previous report into The Lakes found that as well as issues over safety, concerns about its physical state and what residents there had to do were also pointed out.
Worries over showering were also raised by people inspectors spoke to.
That stated: “People’s bedrooms remained dated and in need of redecorating. This included stained and dirty walls, and damaged flooring and equipment.
“One person commented, ‘Best not to ask too many questions about showers. No one bothers. I have a good swill in the sink.’
“Another commented, ‘I would like to go out more. I feel hemmed in and lost.’ Several people commented that there was not much to do.”
However, changes brought in by owners Blackcliffe Limited have had the desired effect.
This latest inspection report adds: “People’s needs were assessed prior to them moving into the home.
“We found there was regular ongoing review of people’s needs and records were updated when needs changed.
“People’s health conditions were well documented, and people were supported to access a range of health care professionals and support. They told us staff arranged for health care treatment when required. One person said: “They get me a doctor when I need one.”
“At our last inspection concerns were raised with us about access to bathing. At this inspection people told us they were well supported to access bathing when they wanted to.
“They said: “They do everything for me. I get plenty of bed baths”, “I have a bed wash and I get a bath every few days” and “They help me with baths and showers.
“When they are helping me get washed and dressed, they always shut the door. The staff are like pals to me.
“They are unbelievable people. They help me with all my personal care, and they are very good with me. It feels so natural.”
“A relative said, “I can see they treat [person] properly and all the staff that look after [person] are very kind and welcoming.”
The response to the previous inspection was also praised by the CQC.
Its report continues: “Since our last inspection the provider had put in place a consultancy firm and, since January, a new manager has been in post.
“They had introduced a wide range of audits, monitoring and oversight to improve the quality of the service.
“There were detailed improvement plans in place and improvements were found in a number of areas.
“The consultants and manager had good knowledge of the service, there was a clear commitment to continuous improvement.
“People and their relatives were positive about the recent changes, and how the home was now run and organised.
“People who lived at the home said: “The new manager is improving things all the time.They are organising things and they have had new windows and blinds and new furniture and curtains” and “There is nowhere better than this place. Super staff always on time and I feel very comfortable here.”
“A relative said, “There have been new managers in and things have been changing. The place has been decorated and there was a problem with the lift which has now been sorted out.”