Larkswood assessed at Worthing requires improvement by CQC

Larkswood in Worthing was deemed “in need of improvement” following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in December.

The home on St Botolphs Road currently cares for 15 people with a variety of care needs including senility and dementia.

Inspectors said although staff provided supportive care, they had concerns that face masks are not being worn, DBS checks are not being conducted for two returning staff and residents do not have consent to the use of sensor mats, which alert staff if a resident is out gets out of bed at night.

The report stated: “People were supported to have the greatest possible choice and control over their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive manner and in their best interests; The policies and systems in service support this practice.

“However, the provider had taken steps to increase people’s safety by placing sensor mats next to people’s beds at night without asking their permission.

“The provider assured us that the relevant approval would be obtained after the inspection.

“Staff were not wearing masks at the time of the inspection, as per government guidance.

“Some legal notices that the manager or provider was required to send to CQC under regulatory requirements have not been filed.”

Inspectors said the home’s staffing was “safe” but the manager explained the difficulties in hiring new staff, with some recruits taking a job and then not showing up on the first day.

The CQC also had concerns about the administration and governance of the home, branding it “inconsistent”.

The report states: “Leaders and the culture they create have not always supported the delivery of quality, person-centered care.

“The manager was in the process of registering with CQC.

“The manager had not quite understood when to report incidents, including deaths and serious injuries, to CQC.

“The previous manager had not always notified CQC when a person died, either at home or in the hospital.

“When a person suffered a serious injury, it was not reported to CQC as required.

“Government guidelines on wearing single-use face masks have not been followed.”