Charnley House

Accurate and contemporaneous records were not always maintained in a number of areas. This included re-positioning charts and the documentation of people’s food and fluid intake.

Where people required their drinks to be thickened due to being at risk of choking, inconsistent records were maintained by staff. Care plans were not always updated when people’s care needs changed following advice from the SaLT (Speech and Language Therapy) service.

Some risks weren’t effectively managed. Items such as aerosols, shower gels and creams were not always stored safely. One person had been observed trying to eat these items which could place them at risk of harm. People weren’t always provided with pressure relieving cushions to ensure they maintained good skin integrity.

Staff said they received enough training, supervision and appraisal to support them in their role. DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) applications were managed effectively, as were processes regarding the MCA (Mental Capacity Act). Initial assessments were completed when people first moved into the home. People said they received enough to eat and drink. Efforts had been made to make the environment more suitable for people living with dementia, although further improvements could be made.

We observed several interactions between staff and people living at the home which didn’t always preserve people’s dignity. People living at the home and their families spoke positively about the care provided at the home. People looked clean and well presented.

People said their needs and preferences were taken in to account and they were involved in planning and making decisions about their own or loved one’s care and treatment which was in line with their needs and preferences.

Governance arrangements weren’t fully effective. Whilst some of the concerns we found during the assessment had been identified through audits, appropriate action had not been taken to ensure they didn’t happen again.