Applegarth Care Home Ltd

Applegarth Care Home is a 20 bed care home in Maidenhead. Slough. Some people were living with dementia. At the time of our inspection the service supported 18 people.

People's experience of using this service: The provider's quality assurance systems were not always effective, and some records were not always accurate or complete. People, relatives and staff were complimentary of the registered manager and the management team. The registered manager promoted a positive, transparent and open culture where staff worked well as a team. The provider worked well in partnership with other organisations.

People were safe. There were enough staff to meet people's needs. Staff were aware of their responsibilities to report concerns and understood how to keep people safe. We saw that risks to people's safety and well- being were managed through a risk management process.

There were systems in place to manage safe administration and storage of medicines. People received their medicines as prescribed.

People had their needs assessed prior to receiving care to ensure staff were able to meet people's needs. Staff worked with various local social and health care professionals. Referrals for specialist advice were submitted in a timely manner.

People were supported by staff that had the right skills and knowledge to fulfil their roles effectively. Staff told us they were well supported by the management team.

People were supported to meet their nutritional needs and maintain an enjoyable and healthy diet.

People were treated with respect and their dignity was maintained. People were also supported to maintain their independence. The provider had an equality and diversity policy which stated their commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. Staff knew how to support people without breaching their rights. The provider had processes in place to maintain confidentiality.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People and their relatives knew how to complain, and a complaints policy was in place. People's input was valued, and they were encouraged to feedback on the quality of the service and make suggestions for improvements. People had access to a wide range of individual, meaningful activities.

The service met the characteristics of Good in Safe, Effective, Caring and Responsive. The service was Requires Improvement in Well-Led. This is the services first rating under the new provider.