Three Towns Care Home receives ‘adequate’ inspection ratings
It follows an announced Care Inspectorate visit to Three Towns Care Home on Afton Road earlier this year.
Findings from the inspection were published this week with the service receiving ‘adequate’ ratings across all measured areas.
The Holmes Care Group Scotland Ltd operated premises has room for up to 60 older people across two floors of its purpose built unit.
The service was put under the microscope over the course of three days in late-July this year.
Inspectors spoke to service users, their families and staff whilst they observed daily practices as well as reviewed documentation during the visit.
The quality of five different aspects of the care home were then evaluated: its support of people’s wellbeing; its leadership, its staff team; the home’s setting; and its planning.
Each was rated as ‘adequate’ – the fourth highest rating on a scale from 1-6 used by the Care Inspectorate.
Explaining the findings in more detail, an inspection report gave praise for the care home’s staffing team.
It said: “Residents received care from staff who were kind, respectful, and committed to supporting their wellbeing.
“Feedback from residents and relatives consistently highlighted the compassion and friendliness of regular staff.
“Staff consistently spoke positively about their roles and the ethos of the home, which contributed to a caring and supportive environment for residents.
“The service demonstrated a clear commitment to recruiting individuals who reflect its values of compassion, dignity, and respect.”
Though concerns were highlighted with regards to the low regular staffing levels which impacted the resident experience.
The report added: “Staffing levels were insufficient and overly reliant on agency staff, affecting the quality and consistency of care.
“Staff reported feeling stretched especially during night shifts and in the dementia unit. This was echoed in resident and relative feedback, with concerns raised about delays in receiving assistance and the reliance on unfamiliar agency staff.
“We noted that, feedback from residents, relatives, and staff highlighted concerns about the lack of consistency in staffing affecting the overall the completion and implementation of quality assurance procedures.
“Relatives noted that while communication from management was generally positive, the absence of regular updates and visible leadership affected their confidence in the service’s ability to respond to concerns.”
Staffing levels were also noted as a contributing factor in failures to ensure care planning was carried out within required timescales.
While the care home setting was also praised in some aspects.
Report findings said: “The environment was clean and generally safe, with some areas offering a homely and welcoming atmosphere.
“Residents and relatives commented positively on the cleanliness and comfort of individual rooms, and the use of seasonal decorations and personalised touches that helped create a sense of familiarity and belonging.
“These aspects reflect a commendable effort to create a person-centred living space.”
Though areas that required further improvement were also raised.
The report added: “We noted that there had been limited investment in furnishings and facilities on the upper floor, with some areas appearing tired and in urgent need of refurbishment and showing clear signs of neglect.
“We received several comments from relatives about this, one respondent stating, ‘the care home could do with a makeover; it’s looking a bit tired’.
“This issue had previously been identified over a year ago, yet the provider has failed to take meaningful action.
“This lack of responsiveness raises concerns about the provider’s commitment to continuous improvement and has the potential to negatively affect resident’s wellbeing.”
The report also detailed positive progress, including the completion of one, being made towards requirements made following prior inspections.
Though five further areas of requirement have been identified for Three Towns Care Home to comply with at a later date.
The operators have vowed to work towards implementing plans which ensure these are addressed.
A Holmes Care Group spokesperson said: “We welcome the Care Inspectorate’s recent visit and are pleased that their report highlights the caring and approachable nature of our staff.
“In particular, the report noted that ‘feedback from residents and relatives consistently highlighted the compassion and friendliness of regular staff, with many describing them as amazing, extremely caring, and always helpful. This contributed positively to residents’ sense of safety and being valued.’
“We greatly value all the feedback provided in the report and will be working to implement the recommendations.
“Our priority remains delivering high-quality, consistent care in an environment where residents feel safe, supported, and valued.”
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