Ullapool care home receives glowing praise from Care Inspectorate following visit
A Wester Ross care home has received a thumbs-up from inspectors following a surprise visit.
Lochbroom House, which cares for up to 11 elderly residents in the centre of Ullapool, was visited by an inspector from the Care Inspectorate last month (November).
The visit was part of a pilot inspection procedure aimed at testing a new way of inspecting "to provide assurance that better performing services continue to deliver a very good level of care and support".
And the inspector was impressed with what they saw at the home, describing it as being “well led”.
Following the visit the inspector said: "People were safe and protected from harm and could have confidence in the organisation providing their care and support.
"People were very well supported to keep safe and well. Staff were attentive and always very responsive to any concerns that arose for people. Staff understood their responsibilities. People reported positively on staff."
Describing the care home as "attractive" and "clean" the inspectors added that residents mentioned "how comfortable they were living there".
Elsewhere, the report said the manager had an active presence, there was "very good oversight" of the care home's responsibility for residents' wellneing, and the staff were "experienced, caring and motivated" - something those using the service appreciated.
The inspectors added that two areas for improvement highlighted during an inspection in September 2022 had both been met.
These had included ensuring records were updated when topical medication was applied, and inspectors said there was evidence that this was now being done - adding that it was "being recorded to satisfactory standard". They continued: "We are confifdent that the manager continuing to closely monitor this matter will ensure the improvement and consistent good recording practice for people's topical medications".
The other area for improvement had been for regular reviews of care plans to ensure they were up to date, and this too was met.
"We cound that communication within the service was very good," said the inspectors.
