Ellacombe

This residential care home provides accommodation and support for up to 45 people living with dementia, with 34 residents at the time of inspection. Inspectors identified several areas requiring improvement. Skin care checks were not consistently recorded, and there were concerns about pressure sore prevention. Where residents needed additional calories for weight management, records did not demonstrate this was being provided consistently, particularly concerning for those with poor overall food intake. For residents who smoked and used flammable creams, safety management plans were not being consistently followed.

Inspectors also found safety risks inadequately managed. Some residents with dementia were known to access other people's bedrooms and drawers unsupervised. Drawers throughout the home contained unsecured items including cigarette lighters, tobacco, alcohol, and food, creating potential hazards. Risk assessments needed strengthening to maintain individual safety, especially for people living with dementia. Additionally, improvements were required in the consistent application of medicines, particularly creams.