Benson House Care Home

This inspection was prompted by concerns raised in relation to end of life care, medicine management and staffing. During the inspection we found evidence to support our concerns relating to the management of medicine.

We found two breaches of regulations in relation to good governance and safe care and treatment as medicines were not always managed well.

We were greeted warmly by the regional manager and staff, who were keen to demonstrate the improvements they had made to the service. The regional manager was running the home as the registered manager was on annual leave.

Some medicine records were not accurate or up to date. As required drugs [PRN] protocols were not completed consistently, and one drug had been administered routinely at a higher dosage without recording why. Monitoring and audit systems used to improve the service did not identify these concerns.

Care plans were clearly written, provided guidance and good examples of how people were supported to take part in day-to-day activities. Staff were aware how to identify and respond to changes in people’s needs. The service had initiatives in place to promote and support people with their health and wellbeing and routinely monitored people’s care and treatment. Documentation around capacity was completed appropriately.

Staff understood their responsibility to report concerns about safety. There were enough safely recruited and trained staff to carry out safe care. However, some staff told us there were not enough staff, particularly on the dementia floor. The environment met people’s needs and staff managed the risk of infection. The home was clean and free from malodours.

Personalised care was planned through discussions with people and their relatives. The service worked effectively with external agencies and professionals to ensure people’s needs were met in a planned and timely manner.

Leaders were passionate about delivering high quality care. Regular meetings were held with staff, including supervision, handovers, and daily briefings. Staff consistently told us how they felt supported in their roles.

We observed compassionate and kind care throughout our visit. Staff told us they enjoyed working at the home and understood the importance of providing care in a person-centred way. The service had built links with community services and healthcare services such as GP’s, physiotherapists, dentists, podiatrist, and opticians.