This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection that took place on 11 May 2017. Oakleigh Residential Home Limited provides accommodation and care for up to 23 people who are aged over 65 and why may also have a physical disability or be living with dementia. The home is located on two floors with lift access. The home has a communal lounge, a conservatory, a large garden and a dining room where people could spend time together. At the time of inspection there were 23 people using the service.
The service had a registered 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 were protected from the risk of harm at the service because staff knew their responsibilities to keep people safe from avoidable harm and abuse. Staff knew how to report any concerns that they had about people’s welfare.
There were effective systems in place to manage risks and this helped staff to know how to support people safely. Where risks had been identified, control measures were in place.
There were enough staff to meet people’s needs safely. The provider had safe recruitment practices. This assured them that staff had been checked for their suitability before they started their employment.
People’s equipment was regularly checked and there were plans to keep people safe during significant events such as a fire. The building was maintained and kept in a safe condition. Evacuation plans had been written for each person, to help support them safely in the event of an emergency.
People’s medicines were handled safely and were offered to them in accordance with their prescriptions. Staff had been trained to administer medicines and had been assessed for their competency to do this.
Staff received appropriate support through an induction, support and guidance. There was an on-going training programme to ensure staff had the skills and up to date knowledge to meet people’s needs.
People received sufficient to eat and drink. Their health needs were met. This was because staff supported them to access health care professionals promptly. Staff also worked with other professionals to monitor and meet people’s needs and support them to remain well.
People were supported to make their own decisions. Staff and managers had an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. We found that assessments of mental capacity had been completed where there were concerns about people's ability to make decisions for themselves. Staff told us, and we saw, that they sought people’s consent before delivering their support.
People were involved in decisions about their support. They told us that staff treated them with respect. Staff knew the people they cared for and treated them with kindness and compassion.
People received care and support that was responsive to their needs and preferences. Care plans provided information about people so staff knew what they liked and enjoyed. People were encouraged to maintain and develop their independence. People took part in activities. However, some people felt that they would like more activities, or more variety.
People and their relatives knew how to make a complaint. The provider had a complaints policy in place that was available for people and their relatives.
People and staff felt the service was well managed. Staff felt supported by the registered manager.
Systems were in place which assessed and monitored the quality of the service and identified areas for improvement. People were asked for feedback on the quality of the service that they received. The service was led by a registered manager who understood their responsibilities under the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009.