Case Study
Breaking the chain: Intervention to resolve a cascade of care home challenges
In the intricate workings of a care home, seemingly isolated issues can quickly escalate, setting off a chain reaction that moves through the entire facility. A single concern can gather momentum, triggering a cascade of challenges that threaten the wellbeing of residents and the reputation of the care provider.
After encountering a series of ongoing challenges, a care home recently sought the assistance of Fulcrum to help with the resolution of its issues.
What issue did the care home have?
A recent inspection at the care home by the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) highlighted two priority action notices related to:
- Regulation 21 – Standards of care and support
- Regulation 36 – Supporting and developing staff
Subsequent inspections also revealed additional areas of concern, particularly in fire safety protocols. The care facility was grappling with unreported incidents, outdated training, a cluttered environment, and inadequate fire safety measures. Furthermore, there was an absence of essential risk management plans, no established service improvement strategy, a vacant managerial position, and a shortage of nursing staff — problems that continued to snowball with seemingly no way out without external help.
How did Fulcrum Care help?
An experienced consultant was promptly dispatched to the home with a primary objective of implementing robust systems and processes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the residents, whilst additional issues were addressed.
An extensive internal audit was conducted to gauge the care home’s compliance with CIW regulations. Subsequently, a comprehensive service improvement plan was created, encompassing both the CIW’s identified issues and those unearthed during Fulcrum’s own audit.
One significant measure introduced by Fulcrum was the use of a dependency tool that systematically assessed the staffing requirements based on residents’ specific needs, thereby ensuring adequate staffing levels at the care facility.
Additionally, Fulcrum Care assisted in appointing an interim manager who would oversee the operations five days a week until a full-time manager could be recruited.
What were the results for the care home?
Stability was restored within the care facility, and confidence was reinstated among staff, local authorities and the CIW. Fulcrum’s ongoing collaboration with the provider facilitated swift and effective implementation of the required changes. A detailed service improvement plan is continuously updated as each issue is addressed, maintaining a clear path towards sustained improvement.
Furthermore, the appointment of an interim manager provided essential support to the care home, ensuring uninterrupted operations while the search for a permanent manager continues.
Fulcrum’s intervention not only resolved the immediate issues but also laid a foundation for a safer, more efficient, and compliant care facility moving forward.
If your care home needs help from a team of dedicated care experts, please get in touch.