The inspection took place on the 23 October 2015. It was unannounced. At the previous inspection in April 2014 the provider was fully compliant with the regulations assessed.
Prospect House is a purpose built care home. It provides personal care and support for up to ten older people. It is situated about six miles north east of York, in the small village of Gate Helmsley, where there are village amenities. There is a car park to the rear of the house and attractive gardens, with level access to the home. There were nine people accommodated when we carried out our inspection.
The registered provider is Debra Susan Boughen who is both the registered provider and manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People told us they felt safe living at Prospect House and the care we observed throughout our visit demonstrated a real person centred ethos. Person centred care puts people using the service and at the forefront. It is about viewing people as individuals.
The service had safeguarding vulnerable adult’s policies and procedures which were understood by staff. Staff received training in safeguarding vulnerable adults and they were clear of the process to follow should any aspect of poor care be observed.
Staff understood individual risks to people and worked with them to minimise these risks whilst also supporting them to remain as independent as possible. We saw that risk assessments were carried out on the environment as well as on individuals.
We observed warm and friendly relations between the people living and working at Prospect House. It was evident that a family environment was maintained. This was observed throughout our visit. People told us there sufficient staff.
Recruitment systems were robust and appropriate checks were completed before people started work. This helped to prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable people.
People received their medication as prescribed by their GP. The deputy manager agreed to record any carried forward medication on medication administration records (MAR) so that these could be more effectively audited.
The home was clean and there were no unpleasant odours noted during our visit.
Staff received induction, training and supervision to support them in their roles. They told us they received good support from the management.
Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). DoLS are part of the MCA (Mental Capacity Act 2005) legislation which is in place for people who are unable to make decisions for themselves. The legislation is designed to ensure that any decisions are made in people’s best interests.
People told us they were able to make decisions and choices regarding all aspects of their lives.
People spoke positively of the food and said that they received a choice of tasty nutritious food.
Peoples health needs were monitored and advice from appropriate professionals was sought where necessary.
The premises were suitable and well maintained. People were able to personalise their rooms and their views were sought regarding the décor and furnishings at the home.
All of the people we spoke with spoke positively of the care they received. They told us they were treated with kindness and compassion and we saw this throughout our visit. They told us that staff respected their privacy and maintained their dignity at all times. This was reiterated in feedback from relatives.
People told us that the registered manager and staff responded to their needs. Each person had an individual care record which set out how they should be cared for. Care records contained very basic information and would benefit from review and update.
People told us that a range of social opportunities were available and said they could choose how to spend their time. Visitors said they could visit at any time and they told us how welcome they were made to feel.
The home had not received any complaints; however people told us that they could raise concerns if they needed to.
People told us that the service was well led. They told us that all of the managers were approachable.
We saw that meetings took place to seek people’s views and experiences. Quality surveys were also sent out on an annual basis.
People spoke of a positive culture and staff said that morale was good. People told us they liked living at prospect house.
A more formal auditing system may enable the registered provider to better reflect how they monitor the quality of care provided.