Roseberry Court provides care and accommodation for up to 63 older people, some of whom may be living with a dementia. An expert by experience spoke with people who used the service, relatives and staff. The inspector spoke with people who used the service and staff. We were able to observe the experiences of people who used the service. We saw that staff treated people with dignity and respect. We saw that people had their needs assessed and that care plans were in place.
People told us that they felt comfortable in raising a concern or complaint with the manager or staff.
The inspection team was made up of one inspector and an expert by experience. We set out to answer our five questions; is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, and the staff supporting them and from looking at records.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
People told us that their rights and dignity were respected.
Care plans and risk assessments were in place and were updated as people's needs changed. Care records detailed the support people required and encouraged people to be independent where possible. People we spoke with during the inspection told us that they felt safe.
Staff we spoke with during the inspection were very knowledgeable about the people they cared for. Staff we spoke with were aware of risk management plans that had been written for people with particular needs.
We found that nutritional screening had been carried out for people who used the service. This meant that people received timely and appropriate intervention if they lost weight. People were supported to have adequate nutrition and hydration.
People were cared for in safe, accessible surroundings that promoted their wellbeing.
Systems were in place to make sure that the manager and staff learnt from events such as accidents and incidents, concerns, complaints, whistleblowing and investigations. This helped to reduce the risk of harm and ensured that lessons were learnt from mistakes.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. The home had proper policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and there was evidence to show that these had been followed appropriately. Staff had received training in relations to these topics along with the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and had an understanding of the actions to take. This meant that people were safeguarded as required.
Is the service effective?
People's health and care needs were assessed and where possible people and their relatives were involved in writing the plan of care. Specialist dietary and mobility needs had been identified in care plans. Care and support plans were reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that care staff showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people.
People who used the service, their relatives and friends were regularly asked for their views on the care and service provided. Where shortfalls or concerns were raised, however small, these were taken on board and dealt with.
People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.
Is the service responsive?
People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. Discussion with the manager and operations manager during the inspection confirmed that any concerns or complaints were taken seriously. We looked at the complaints record which confirmed that complaints had been investigated thoroughly and in line with the complaints policy.
People took part in a range of activities both in and out of the home. This helped to keep people involved in their local community.
Is the service well led?
The service had a quality assurance system, and records showed that identified problems and opportunities to change things for the better were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuously improving.
Staff told us that they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and all senior staff understood and shared the responsibility of quality assurance processes. This helped to ensure that people received a good quality service at all times.
What people told us.
During the inspection we spoke with 12 people who used the service and two relatives. We also spoke with the manager, the operations manager, the head chef, the head of care, the activity co-ordinator and with care staff.
People who used the service told us that they were very happy with the care and service received. One person said, 'People treat me with such kindness.' Other people said, 'Staff can't do enough for you.' 'Care couldn't be better.' 'Happy with the care I get.'
People told us that they were happy with the food that was provided. One person said, 'Excellent food, good choice.' Another person said, 'We even get supper.' People told us that they felt safe. One person said, 'I sleep better here than at home.'
People told us that they felt comfortable and spoke to staff if they were concerned or had a complaint. One person said, 'Would go to the horse's mouth.' A relative we spoke with said that they were not aware of the complaints procedure but that they would speak with a care staff member who was in charge if they had a problem. The relative told us that they had not needed to raise any concerns with staff in the last five years.
The activity co-ordinator told us that 'We are one big happy family; everyone knuckles down to help when an activity is planned.'
The head chef told us about a dining experience that they had created on the second floor for those people living with a dementia. At tea time staff took people who used the service to their rooms to freshen up. People who used the service, who were able, then helped staff to set the tables. During this time staff talked to people about the meal. People were given a drink and encouraged to converse with each other. Food was then served whilst soft music is played in the background. We were told that this experience was started for people who lived with a dementia as they were at the highest risk of weight loss. The head chef told us this had helped people to gain weight and to be discharged from the dietician.
You can see our judgements on the front page of this report.