Inspection on 28/09/06 for Brook House Nursing Home

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

Potential residents needs are assessed before they move to the home. They have access to information and the opportunity to visit and stay at the home on a trial basis, to help them decide whether the home can meet their needs. Resident`s personal, healthcare and medication needs are met in a safe, timely way. Personal support is offered in such a way as to protect resident`s privacy and dignity. There are activities available to bring variety to the day for residents and residents are enabled to keep in contact with their families and friends. The standard of the food is good with most residents saying that the enjoyed their meals. Residents and their families are aware of the complaints procedures and feel that their concerns are listened to.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The care plans have improved and greater detail is now available to staff to guide their care of residents. Significant improvements have been made to the fabric of the home and more are planned to ensure that the home provides a comfortable and safe home for residents. There are plans to refurbish all the bedrooms and for access to areas within the home to be improved for all residents. The bathrooms have been refurbished and there are plans to change one into a shower room. The proprietor has begun to implement a quality assurance system and visits the home regularly.

What the care home could do better:

It is recommended that the home use a recognised tool for measuring pressure damage and record the rate of healing using photographs, with the resident`s permission. All staff should have training in the protection of vulnerable adults. The improvements to the environment should be continued and the plans for kitchen refurbishment be agreed. The staff recruitment files should be audited and systems put in place to ensure that all the necessary checks are undertaken prior to staff commencing work and that all the necessary documentation is on file. Staff should be given a statement of their terms and conditions. Records of induction and staff training should be kept to ensure that all staff have the necessary skills and knowledge to care for residents. Health and safety in the home should be reviewed against the guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive.