A TEIGNMOUTH care home has been told it needs to improve by Care Quality Commission inspectors.

The Briarcroft Care Home in Dawlish Road has received the rating following an inspection in March.

The care home has responded that it is disappointed with the rating and that it would work with the CQC to satisfy their rating system.

The inspectors concluded ‘The service was not always safe’ and requires improvement. They also found ‘The service was not always well led’ and requires improvement.

Briarcroft Care Home is a residential care home providing care and accommodation to up to 21 people. The service provides support to older people living with dementia.

At the time of the inspection, there were 20 people using the service.

‘People’s experience of using this service and what we found:

‘Environmental risks were not always identified or well managed.

‘Some risks relating to fire safety had not been identified, the premises and equipment were not well maintained and in parts, the premises was in poor repair, and visibly dirty.

‘Governance systems had failed to identify the concerns identified at this inspection.

‘Following our site visit, we contacted the fire service with our concerns.

‘They inspected the premises and made seven recommendations the provider should address to ensure compliance with fire safety requirements.

‘The provider assured us they would take action to address fire safety concerns and the maintenance issues identified.

‘While there was no evidence people had been harmed, people were at potential risk of harm.

‘This was because records didn’t always evidence care being provided in line with individual care plans, risk assessments had not always been completed, and staff had not completed training specific to people’s needs.’

‘There were a range of risk assessments in place, and they were regularly reviewed.

‘Some individual risks were very well managed.

‘For example, staff were skilled at managing risks around people’s behaviours, particularly when people were experiencing significant distress and agitation.

‘One visiting health professional told us they were supporting a person who had three previous placements terminated due to their behaviours.’

They said: ‘Briarcroft have worked so hard, with the support of the [health professionals] team, on finding strategies that work for the person. Systems and processes to protect people from abuse were in place and being operated effectively.

‘Staff and people’s relatives told us they felt comfortable raising concerns.’

The culture of the service was described as open and inclusive, and staff worked with other professionals to ensure people achieved good outcomes.

‘All the relatives we spoke to gave positive feedback about the staff team.

Comments included, ‘From the first time I stepped into Briarcroft, it felt like a blanket of love. They are brilliant. It’s like a real home.’

And, ‘They’re wonderful, been fantastic, like a family to me. [Relative] is so happy.’