Applecross Nursing Home is registered to provide a care home service to a maximum of 82 people. This is comprised of 60 places for young physically disabled adults and 22 places for older people.

The provider is Applecross Nursing Home Limited, a family-owned company with Applecross Nursing Home as their sole service. The home supports people who live with a wide range of support needs, examples include; physical disability, mental health, learning disability, dementia, and frail elderly.

The older people’s service is based in a historic house with a modern extension over three floors, providing accommodation for the younger physically disabled people.

All rooms are single bedrooms. In the modern building, all rooms have en-suite facilities with showers. Some rooms in the older part of the building have to share bathrooms. Each unit has shared bathrooms and a resident’s lounge with adjacent dining area, also used for group activities.

The home has an accessiblegarden for residents’ and relatives’ use.

Applecross Nursing home is based in Hurlet in Glasgow, the building sits in private grounds down a privatelane off a main road. At the time of this inspection there were 79 people staying in the home

This was an unannounced inspection which took place from 10 to 12 June 2024. The inspection was carried out by two inspectors from the Care Inspectorate. To prepare for the inspection, we reviewed information about this service. This included previous inspection findings, registration information.  Information submitted by the service and intelligence gathered since the last inspection. In making our evaluations of the service we:

• Spoke with nine people using the service and one of their family.
• Spoke with 15 staff and management.
• Observed practice and daily life.
• Reviewed documents.

We also used responses received on electronic surveys as part of our evaluation. We received responses
from:

• 36 people using the service
• 39 family carers or friends
• 71 members of staff
• And 10 visiting professionals.

A multidisciplinary staff team supported people to have their health needs met.  The home had a strong focus on training and supporting the staff team with learning and development. Good monitoring systems and self-assessment systems supported leaders to plan improvements and shape the future of the service.
People were engaged in their community where possible. The staff team felt well supported by leadership and were enthusiastic about their jobs.

We found significant strengths in aspects of the care provided and these supported positive outcomes for people, therefore we evaluated this key question as very good. Quality Indicator 3.2 Staff have the right knowledge, competence and development to care for and support people

We reviewed recruitment files for recently recruited staff and found that these followed best practice guidance. Following recruitment there was a thorough induction programme that had to be completed and signed off by a supervisor. This included reflective activities and checking of understanding as well as completed both online and face to face training. This meant that people were supported by a staff team who were recruited safely and monitored in the early stages to ensure they carried out their tasks appropriately.

The provider placed great importance on training. One staff member had overall responsibility for devising training schedules and ensuring that the team were up to date with mandatory training. This role had developed over the previous year and staff members told us they had noticed that they were receiving more
training and a good standard of support for their learning. Staff were well trained including training on health conditions, specific to the needs of individuals living in the home. This ensured that staff members had the knowledge they needed to provide good quality care to everyone resident in the home. The home used a recognised tool to assess the staffing numbers required to provide care for people. This ensured that staffing numbers were suitable to meet the needs of residents and people were supported in an unhurried way. The recent appointment of befrienders should further enhance the staff team’s ability to provide bespoke support to meet residents’ social needs, their outcomes and aspirations. Staff numbers were increased to support people when they needed extra support such as at the end of life care or those who needed more support with eating, which ensured that care was responsive to people’s changes needs.

Staff told us that the whole team were really supportive and work well together, including the management team who are visible on the floor.

We found significant strengths in aspects of the care provided, supporting positive outcomes for people. Therefore, we evaluated this key question as very good.

Quality Indicator 1.3: People’s health and wellbeing benefits from their care and support

The home employed a multidisciplinary staff team, including nurses, a physiotherapist, and an occupational therapist. This team ensured that personal plans included thorough assessments of people’s health needs. Referrals were made to other professionals when required, including speech and language therapists, and there was effective use of communication support tools in the home. All elements of people’s needs were considered, including their physical, wellbeing, and communication support needs. Robust quality assurance systems were in place, ensuring that plans were reviewed and monitored regularly to reflect people’s needs.

Medication recording was managed well, and the system alerted the clinical lead to any issues or missed medications. The clinical lead could use this information to assess if medication reviews were necessary. The home practiced safe moving and assisting, supported by in-house training and monitored regularly. Staff were observed and provided feedback on performance to ensure they could meet high standards of care and support.

People were encouraged to direct aspects of their own care where possible. There were excellent examples of people receiving personalized care, including choosing their preferred support team. One resident remarked, “The staff couldn’t do any more for you,” and family members reported satisfaction with the care provided. This ensured that people received the right level of care to meet their needs.

The home employed activities workers and recently added two befriender roles. Residents noticed the positive impact of the expanded team, enjoying a wide range of activities both in the home and the community. Individuals attended events such as the cinema, museums, and nightclubs, while activities in the home included regular chair exercises and opportunities to use outdoor spaces, meeting residents’ needs for stimulation and social interaction.

End-of-life care was managed in line with the needs and wishes of the person and their family. Anticipatory care plans were in place for those who wished to discuss end-of-life care in advance, supported by booklets for these conversations. When people reached the end of life, the management team revisited these discussions to ensure care aligned with their wishes.

Staff understood how to support people lacking capacity to make decisions, with appropriate support for decision-making, including proxy decision-making where legal powers were in place.

The service balanced people’s rights and safety, with a positive approach to managing risks. Systems were in place to monitor care, including checks on pressure ulcers, falls, and medication, demonstrating the home’s success in maintaining people’s health. Monitoring systems also helped detect and address any emerging issues.

People benefited from access to a tasty, varied, and well-balanced diet, with meals, snacks, and drinks reflecting cultural and dietary preferences. Staff shared information when changes in eating or drinking habits were noticed. Although a few residents suggested larger portions or more variety, most expressed satisfaction with the meals. Residents enjoyed their meals in a relaxed atmosphere, with a wide range of aids and appropriate support to meet their needs. Adjustments to staffing also provided additional support for eating, ensuring residents were supported to eat well with options that suited them.

you can get the full report below !

Detailed care inspectorate reports for the last 10 years 

2024 Testimonials

I am so happy and grateful that I found Applecross Home, after reviewing many homes, as a suitable place that would provide good nursing care for my ex-husband.
He needs 24/7 nursing care following a massive stroke which has left him paralysed down one side and with severe difficulty speaking. He is
‘only’ 64 years old and I found many Homes would not accept someone of that age. The staff are kind, caring and dedicated. They persevered with many issues until he eventually settled in. We all work together to ensure he gets the best care possible. They are open and honest, and they let me know when there are problems, which are inevitable, but means I can trust their care and decision-making. The staff work as a team and go the extra mile to bring interest and entertainment to make it a happy place to live. The catering staff do a brilliant job with good food and delicious cakes! Thanks to all of you for everything you do.
Elaine M (Wife of Resident) published on 7 November 2024
I recently had to make the most difficult decision imaginable, to put my husband into full-time care. This situation could not have been more devastating for me, our extended family or friends. We always hoped he would recover sufficiently from his brain injury that at some point we could take him home,
though this was not to be, he requires 24-hour care. From the initial contact with Applecross, whilst looking for the right placement for my husband, the team could not have been more accommodating, approachable, open or supportive.
The nursing, auxiliary, domestic, maintenance, reception, kitchen staff and all other departments we’ve been in contact with, have been nothing but professional and exceptionally kind. Since moving to Applecross, what we see is great care being given with the utmost respect. My husband has settled in well very quickly, and the staff have also shown genuine concern for me. They have made an exceptionally difficult time more bearable, we are very grateful to all.
Katrina M (Wife of Resident) published on 5 August 2024

Staff are amazing with the residents. Level 2 is one big family.The carers do wonderful work with the residents. My son has been here for over 12 years he is happy and content and is loved by all his carers. Management very approachable and listen to you. Wonderful care home can’t thank them enough.

C B (Mother of Resident) published on 18 April 2024

I feel my husband is settled and well cared for by all staff within Applecross. They are always very professional in their roles and at times go above and beyond. When I go visit they always ask who I am and make me feel very welcome.

Maureen T (Wife of Resident) published on 9 April 2024
My son was cared for by Applecross care home staff for eight years after a head injury left him totally helpless and I will always be grateful to them for their kindness and cheerfulness throughout his time there. Even at the end when things were really difficult for us, the kitchen staff brought fresh
sandwiches, and this quiet kindness throughout was a great comfort to us. Thank you all at Applecross from the family.
Margaret S (Mother of Resident) published on 22 March 2024