Warning notice served Banbury disabled care home by national watchdog

The Leonard Cheshire care home at Agnes Court failed to meet regulations related to person-centred care and good governance. It was rated ‘requires improvement’ in all areas.

This service is a care and nursing home for adults with physical disabilities, autistic people and people with a learning disability. It can accommodate up to 24 people.

“People did not always receive care and support in accordance with its principles. People’s needs, preferences, aspirations and outcomes were not reviewed in line with the guidance and systems and processes did not always ensure person-centred and outcomes-focused care,” inspectors said in their report.

“We found four breaches of regulation in relation to safeguarding, consent, person-centred care and good governance.

“People and relatives described concerns regarding delays receiving support and reduced opportunities to access community activities, hobbies and therapeutic services. Some wanted greater independence and choice in their daily lives.

"However, people also told us they felt safe and enjoyed activities, relationships with staff and opportunities to socialise. Staff worked effectively with healthcare professionals to support people's physical health needs. The home was clean, infection prevention and control arrangements were effective and medicines were stored securely,” the report said.

“Risks to people's safety were not always effectively identified, assessed or managed. Leaders had failed to recognise and investigate some safeguarding concerns, incidents were not always recorded and risk assessments did not consistently provide staff with clear guidance about supporting people safely whilst promoting independence.

"Records relating to mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions did not consistently demonstrate compliance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, meaning the provider could not always evidence that restrictions or decisions made on people's behalf were lawful and proportionate.”

People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the registered manager and described them as visible, approachable and supportive.

Some people told us they felt happy, safe and enjoyed living at the home, while others and their relatives described concerns about staffing, independence, engagement and opportunities to achieve personal goals.

People spoke positively about the activities coordinator and described enjoying crafts, music, painting and social activities. Relatives said staff often made efforts to support people’s interests and organise special events, holidays and concerts.

People and relatives described staff as kind, caring and respectful.

However, people and relatives consistently raised concerns that staffing pressures were affecting their experiences. Some people told us they had to wait for support, particularly during evenings and weekends, and some relatives described difficulties finding staff. Relatives also described reduced opportunities for trips, hobbies, physiotherapy and community activities that were important to people.

There was limited evidence of proactive engagement outside organised activities. Some people spent prolonged periods without meaningful interaction and some told us they wanted greater independence and choice.

A spokesperson for Leonard Cheshire said: “We acknowledge the areas of concern highlighted by the regulator, many of which had been identified in our own internal monitoring.

“A comprehensive action plan is already delivering improvements for residents at Agnes Court. This includes increased oversight and assistance from senior staff and quality teams, as well as extra training.

“Residents and their families will receive regular updates as we continue to make progress in all areas.”