Fairways

Updated 8 January 2025

Date of assessment: 21 to 24 January 2025. Fairways is care home providing care for up to 24 people some of whom may have a dementia. When we assessed there were 13 people in the home. The reason we assessed was to follow up on previous breaches of the legal regulations in relation to safe care, recruitment and good governance. We assessed the quality statements for the safe, effective and well-led domains. Some assessed risks had not been managed, the provider had not always ensured they responded to changes in people’s needs. Guidance for staff, to avoid choking risks, when supporting people on a modified diet was not in place. Pressure relieving mattresses were set too high for two people. This was not identified or followed up by managers. Not all safeguarding incidents had been recognised or reported to the appropriate agencies. Management oversight, and governance was not always consistent or effective. Medicines management and recruitment procedures had improved, the provider was no longer in breach of these parts of the legal regulation. The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulation in relation to safe care and good governance. Enough improvements were not found at this assessment, and the provider remained in breach of regulation. This service had been in special measures since September 2023. The purpose of special measures is to ensure that services providing inadequate care make significant improvements. The provider had made enough improvement, and the service is no longer in special measures.

In instances where CQC have decided to take civil or criminal enforcement action against a provider, we will publish this information on our website after any representations and/ or appeals have been concluded. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to some of the concerns found at this assessment.

Updated 8 January 2025

People and their families were positive about the quality of care . One person said, ‘I love everything about living here.’ Another person said, ‘I don’t want to leave, it is better than home.’ Relatives said, ‘It’s a good home for [name], they look so much better today’ and ‘I love it whenever I go in it is bubbly and they are always doing things.’

We saw people were getting involved in a variety of activities which included singing, conversation games and walking around the decking areas. There was a positive and lively atmosphere. Staff were responsive, caring and polite. Relatives told us they were confident in the managers and had been kept up to date with events. One said, ‘They are really good at ringing me and letting me know about things.’ Another said, 'I am not worried about my mum being there. I know she is looked after. Staff know her well.' People had freshly made food prepared from scratch with up to 3 hot meals a day. People could choose to eat in the dining room or their own rooms if they preferred. People’s food preferences had been included in menu planning. People were able to express their individual style. Staff supported several people to have their hair or nails done in the home.

While people we spoke with said they were happy with their care, our assessment found elements of safety did not meet the expected standards.