HIQA ​inspector hears staff ‘couldn’t be better’ at Tipperary nursing home

Villa Marie Nursing Home in Roscrea has been found substantially compliant following an unannounced HIQA inspection carried out in May.

The inspection of the nursing home, which can accommodate up to 30 residents, took place on May 12 and was carried out to assess the centre's compliance with regulations governing the care and welfare of older people. At the time of the inspection, all 30 places at Villa Marie were occupied.

The HIQA inspector found that the nursing home was well run, with residents' care needs being met to a high standard. Residents who spoke with the inspector praised both management and staff and said they had no cause for complaint.

Residents told the inspector that issues raised at residents' meetings were taken seriously and acted upon, while staff were described as being highly familiar with residents' individual needs, likes and dislikes.

One resident told the inspector that staff "couldn't be better", while residents also said they felt there were enough staff on duty at all times to meet their care needs.

A varied programme of activities was available, including games, religious services and exercise classes. Residents spoke positively about the activities on offer and one resident described a recent outing to a local pub as "Brilliant".

During a group exercise class, staff were observed actively encouraging residents to participate according to their individual abilities. The inspector also noted that staff knew residents by name and were familiar with their preferences.

Residents told the inspector that their personal routines were respected, including being able to choose when they got up and went to bed.

The general environment of the centre was described as visibly clean, with residents' bedrooms found to be tidy and well maintained.

The inspector also observed residents' dining experience and found it to be a social and relaxed occasion. Meals were presented well and served promptly in line with residents' preferences and assessed needs.

Residents praised the variety and quality of the food, while snacks and drinks were available throughout the day. Residents requiring assistance or supervision during meals were supported in a respectful and unhurried manner.

Residents who spoke with the inspector said they felt there were no barriers to raising concerns and were confident that any issues would be dealt with promptly and appropriately.

In terms of residents' care, HIQA found that comprehensive assessments were carried out when residents were admitted and used to develop person-centred care plans.

A sample of eight care plans was reviewed and found to be detailed, person-centred and reflective of residents' individual needs. The plans were reviewed every four months, or more frequently where required.

Residents had timely access to GPs and were referred to other health and social care professionals where required.

The report also found that residents at risk of malnutrition were appropriately monitored, with referral pathways in place for further assessment where necessary.

HIQA also found that systems were in place to safeguard residents from abuse, with staff receiving regular safeguarding training and an up-to-date policy guiding their response to any concerns.

Residents' rights and choices were also found to be respected, with residents supported to decide how they spent their days and encouraged to participate in activities according to their interests and abilities.

The inspection did, however, identify one area where the centre was not fully compliant.

Under Regulation 17, relating to premises, HIQA found that there were insufficient bathing and showering facilities that were easily accessible and located close to residents' bedrooms.

The report stated that the shortfall was already known to the provider and would be addressed through the centre's compliance plan.

Villa Marie has committed to converting one existing toilet into a wet room to provide sufficient, accessible showering facilities close to residents' bedrooms.

The work has been scheduled for completion by December 31, 2026.

HIQA classified the finding as "substantially compliant", which means the provider had generally met the requirements of the regulation but some action was required to achieve full compliance. The finding was given a yellow, or low-risk, rating.

All other regulations examined during the inspection were judged to be compliant.

Overall, the inspector concluded that residents at Villa Marie enjoyed a good quality of life and that their individual care needs were being met to a high standard.

The report described the nursing home as adequately resourced and said the service was effectively monitored, with the provider responsive to regulation.