26 August 2014
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We looked at five sets of records for people who used the service, staff's training records and records that related to measures that were planned in case of emergencies. We spoke with the manager, three members of staff and three people who used the service.
During this inspection, we considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcome we inspected. We used the information to answer our five key questions; Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service well-led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what we observed, the records we looked at and what people using the service and the staff told us. If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
CQC monitors the operation of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to residential homes. We spoke with the manager and they demonstrated their knowledge of the procedures to follow if an application needed to be made to deprive a person of their liberty. We found that procedures were in place for contacting the appropriate office in order to submit an application to deprive people of liberty in their best interest. The manager confirmed that no one was subject to a deprivation of their liberty at the time of our inspection. Risk assessments with clear action plans were in place to ensure people remained safe. Emergencies measures were in place and people who lived in the service had personal evacuation plans.
Is the service effective?
People were attended at all times and their needs were met without delay. Two people who used the service told us, 'I like coming here, people are my friends' and 'I am always busy when I come here, I like it'.
Is the service caring?
We found that the staff provided support to people who used the service in a caring and gentle manner. We observed people who used the service interacting with the staff in the lounge and noted the staff communicated well with appropriate humour and professionalism. A member of staff told us, 'We get to know them well and ensure they have a good time when they come here'.
Is the service responsive?
We found that people's care plans were updated to reflect their changes in needs. Each care plan was reviewed by the manager before people returned to the service. People's representatives were contacted to check whether there had been any changes in people's needs and care plans were updated to reflect changes.
Is the service well-led?
The manager consulted with people who used the service and all staff on duty on a daily basis. All the members of staff we spoke with told us there was an open door policy and that they were encouraged to voice any concerns they may have. One told us, "We are listened to". The manager took prompt action to set up systems that ensure emergency measures were in place in case of emergencies. Feedback about measures that were in place had been sought from staff by the manager at team meetings.