Acorn Care Home

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 28 May 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of assessment: 18 and 19 March 2025. Acorn Care Home is a care home providing nursing, personal care and accommodation for 31 people. At the time of our assessment there were 31 people living at the home.

The inspection was prompted in part by a notification of an incident following which a person using the service died, following a choking incident. This incident is subject to further investigation by CQC as to whether any regulatory action should be taken. As a result, this inspection did not examine the circumstances of the incident.

We assessed the provider against all the quality statements in the key questions of safe, effective and well-led.

The provider had governance systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service; however, these were not always effective or timely regarding the oversight of risk. The provider did not always work well with people to understand and manage some risks. Some aspects of medicine management were not safe. Although recruitment procedures were well established the provider’s own procedures were not consistently followed. Staff felt valued and well supported but not all training and learning needs were met.

We found 2 breaches of regulation in relation to safe care and good governance.

There were enough staff to support people and meet their needs. Staff worked with partners to help people achieve positive outcomes. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. People received care centred on them and their individual needs including those related to their protected equality characteristics. People were supported to stay healthy. Staff understood people’s rights and how these should be met. Staff were valued and supported with their learning and development. Staff were encouraged to raise concerns, and these were listened to.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns in relation to regulation 17 good governance.

In instances where CQC have decided to take civil or criminal enforcement action against a provider, we will publish this on our website after any representations and / or appeals have been concluded.