Firth House Care Home

In this report, we summarise the findings gathered during the visit on 22 August 2022, as well as feedback shared through survey responses gathered before and after.

Purpose of the visit

• To visit and gather views of the residents and their relatives and the experiences of the services provided.
• To observe the ongoing care being provided for the residents and their interaction with staff and their surroundings.

During the visit

Our authorised representatives visited the home and spoke with residents, residents’ relatives and friends, and care home staff. We heard from 17 residents, 29 residents’ friends or family members, and 48 members of staff whose feedback forms the basis of this report.

Key findings

We found that at the time of our visit Firth House, it was operating to a good standard. These findings were based on our observations, and reflects the general happiness of residents, family and friends of residents and staff members. The overall impression was the care home provided a homely environment with friendly staff.

However, there were a few issues highlighted and we have made suggestions for review and improvement. One of the main areas we identified for improvement, which impacts the quality of life is to provide more opportunity for residents less able to walk to participate in activities and improve social interaction.

Recommended areas for improvement + key actions taken

1. Provide opportunity for more activities and social interaction for those residents unable to move around voluntary.

Residents are encouraged to take part in daily activities, residents have a choice if they wish to participate, Residents have one to one sessions with staff. Documentation is also used for daily activities, identifying what engagement has happened through the day - be it self-engagement, group engagement or one to one for each individual resident.

In the daily notes if a resident chooses to spend time in their own company rather than participate in group activities, the only other thing that could be done is note when people have been offered and declined to participate.

The care home currently do not have any residents nursed in bed, but if did, they would have a social and emotional interaction care plan in place with activities tailored to them.

2. Ensure cleanliness and hygiene standards are maintained throughout the care home.

Firth House Care Home have an enhanced cleaning schedule that we use for infection breakouts. They also have a process in place where if a resident's room is identified as needing more cleaning, then it is checked and done daily by housekeepers. These are recorded on the cleaning schedules.

Unfortunately, at the time of the visit and the survey, one member of staff was on holiday and one was off sick. Care staff also vacuum and tidy rooms where need daily, if housekeepers have finished their shifts. Some residents like to remain independent and clean their own rooms and are supported to do so.

3. Improve signage for visitors allowing access to the different units and garden.

There is signage throughout the building. This is something that Firth House Care Home can improve for the residents and the families. This will be addressed at the next residents and family meeting, where residents and families will be asked what they would like - to ensure that needs and requirements are met. This will be documented on the meetings notes and reviewed at future meetings.

4. Review staffing numbers at night and during mealtimes to encourage and aid residents with their eating if required.

There are five staff on a night shift and senior management on call for emergencies. Agency staff members have been used due to not being able to recruit [permanent employees]. Two new staff members have since been recruited and this will reduce agency usage. The agency staff used are secured to ensure continuity. There is a robust induction and a shadow shift before they commence [working]. We conduct a 11am meeting each morning to discuss issues with all staff and what support is needed. These are documented and minutes are kept.

Four residents who are assisted at mealtimes one to one. They have early lunches to ensure they are given the time and support needed. This is documented in their individual dietary care plan. There are two staff [working] in dining rooms at lunch time to support and assist residents where needed.

Read our full report