Saint Elkas Care Home

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 18 June 2026. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of inspection: 20 April to 8 May 2026.

Saint Elkas Care Home is a residential home providing regulated activity to adults living with mental health conditions. The service is registered to provide care for up to 10 people. At the time of our inspection, 10 people were using the service. This inspection was carried out due the time passed since the last inspection in 2017. The service demonstrated a proactive and positive culture of safety. Staff listened to concerns, reported incidents appropriately and took part in reflective reviews to understand root causes and embed improvements. The registered manager balanced risk management with people’s independence, ensuring control measures were proportionate and person‑centred. Safeguarding was well understood, and people consistently told us they felt safe. Thorough assessments, personalised transitions and ongoing reviews ensured people’s needs, risks and preferences were accurately understood and safely supported.

The environment was clean, well maintained and homely, with regular health and safety checks in place. Infection prevention and control measures were embedded into daily routines, and staffing levels were safe, responsive and supported by robust recruitment, training and competency checks. Staff worked collaboratively with people to understand and manage risks in a way that supported their goals, independence and wellbeing. Care plans clearly outlined people’s aspirations and risk strategies, and keyworkers met regularly with people to review their progress. External professionals praised the service’s ability to safely plan effectively. Medicines were managed safely, and although PRN outcomes had not always been recorded, the registered manager took immediate action to address this.

People received highly effective, evidence‑based care and treatment that was planned and delivered in full partnership with them. We saw strong evidence of the provider’s commitment to coordinated and person‑centred care, with reasonable adjustments consistently identified and implemented to support people to access healthcare. Staff supported people to make meaningful progress, overcome personal challenges and develop greater independence, working patiently and creatively to build their confidence, skills and wellbeing.

Staff knew people extremely well and had an in depth understanding of what mattered most to them, adapting their communication, recognising emotional triggers and responding to the individual ways people expressed their needs. The provider cared about and promoted the wellbeing of their staff and enabled them to deliver person‑centred care. The registered manager demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous staff development, and people were consistently supported to work in partnership with staff to develop and review their own care plans. Staff adapted information and communication methods so people could fully understand and lead decisions about their care, including planning for important life changes.

The provider had a clear, well‑communicated and consistently applied vision and strategy, and leaders demonstrated integrity, openness and honesty. The registered manager maintained good oversight through regular audits, and staff were encouraged to contribute ideas, reflect on their practice and provide feedback, creating a collaborative environment where staff felt valued and involved in shaping the service.