Elm House Care Home

People were protected from the risk of harm. The facilities and equipment met people’s needs and were clean and well-maintained. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience. Managers made sure staff received training and regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care. However, some improvements were still required to make sure medicines were managed safely. The provider had begun to embed a better learning culture, and the registered manager investigated incidents.

People had enough to eat and drink to stay healthy. Staff worked with all agencies involved in people’s care to support good outcomes and smooth transitions when moving between services. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. Although the manager conducted assessments, and regularly reviewed people’s needs, some improvements were needed to make sure care was based on latest evidence and good practice, and to make sure that staff consistently monitored people’s health outcomes.

People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. People had choice in their care and were encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends. Staff responded to people in a timely way. The provider supported staff wellbeing.

People were involved in decisions about their care. Staff provided information people could understand. People knew how to give feedback and were confident the provider acted on it. The service was easy to access and worked to eliminate discrimination. People received fair and equal care and treatment. People were involved in planning their care and understood options around choosing to withdraw or not receive care.

Governance processes had been strengthened although were still being embedded. Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. Managers worked with the local community to deliver the best possible care and were receptive to new ideas. There was a culture of continuous improvement with staff given time and resources to try new ideas.

The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulations in relation to safe care and treatment, consent and good governance. Improvements were found at this assessment and the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations.

This service has been in Special Measures since 9 December 2024. The provider demonstrated improvements have been made. The service is no longer rated as inadequate overall or in any of the key questions. Therefore, this service is no longer in Special Measures.