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An "inadequate" Leicester care home has changed its fortunes and scored the second highest rating from inspectors. Five Rivers Living was previously criticised for breaching regulations, while a litany of safety hazards were also found.
The care home, in Sangha Close, in Beaumont Leys, received the "inadequate" rating - the lowest mark possible - from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2023. The service cares for adults with conditions including dementia, learning disabilities and mental health conditions, but was found to be in breach of a number of regulations relating to safe care and treatment as well as governance and staffing.
The 2023 inspection saw the home's overall rating drop from "requires improvement" - the second lowest - to the lowest mark possible, while the care home itself was placed in special measures at the time. Two years on, things have dramatically changed.
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At the most recent inspection carried out last month, the CQC noted that all areas of the service were rated as "good" - the second highest mark possible. Inspectors said the service has improved and is no longer in breach of the regulations from the 2023 inspection.
The CQC said there had been "substantial improvements made to all areas of the service". In its report, the watchdog said: "People received safe, dignified, care and support from well-trained, knowledgeable staff, adding: "There were always enough staff on duty to promptly meet people's needs. Risks to people were understood and managed effectively to reduce the likelihood of harm. Staff knew how to safeguard people and protect their well-being".
Inspectors noted at the previous visit people were "not always protected from the risk of harm". At this inspection, they said, improvements had been made and risk reduced.
The watchdog said the previous inspection revealed poor accident and incident recording meaning it could not be sure people were protected from the risk of improper treatment and/or abuse. However, at this inspection, it said safeguarding systems, processes and practices had improved, and people were safe.
Inspectors said: "Relatives told us the service had improved since our last inspection and praised the management team for the positive changes they had made. A relative said, "It's now a very well organised home, the atmosphere is friendly, I am always made welcome, and I am absolutely happy with [person's] care."
The CQC uses five key questions to assess a service. In terms of safety, it checks whether people are protected from avoidable harm. To check whether the service is effective, it asks - does the care, treatment, and support achieve good outcomes.
As to whether the service is caring and responsive, the inspectors ask - do staff treat people with compassion and respect, and is the service organized to meet individual needs. The watchdog checks if the service is well-led by asking whether the service is managed effectively and with a clear vision.
Ricky Sood, director at Five Rivers Living Residential Home, said the home was under different ownership and management at the time of the previous inspection. He said the new operators, Richan Care (Midlands) Limited, took over the running of the home "with the goal of completely turning things around and restoring confidence within our community".
Mr Sood said: "I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Five Rivers Living. This 'Good' CQC rating is the result of their hard work, dedication and passion for providing the best care. It has taken a huge amount of effort and teamwork to turn the home around, and I'm truly grateful to every member of staff for making this transformation possible."
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