We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask; 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, the staff supporting them and from looking at records. If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
At the time of the inspection there were nine people living in the home. We spoke with five of them, two did not wish to talk with us, and two were out during the inspection visit.
Is the service safe?
People told us that they felt safe at the home. Clear records were maintained of people's property held for safekeeping and risk assessments had been undertaken with care plans in place to keep people safe from known risks.
Staff had undertaken first aid training and safeguarding training and understood their role in safeguarding the people they supported. Accidents and incidents were recorded appropriately, and the home environment appeared safe, clean and hygienic.
Recruitment records for staff indicated that appropriate checks had been undertaken to ensure their fitness to work with vulnerable people.
Is the service effective?
People told us that they were happy with the care and support provided to them. They had consented to any restrictions to their freedom, and where they were unable to do so, the appropriate action had been taken to safeguard their rights.
They told us that they engaged in a range of activities within and outside of the home. One person noted 'I'm taking a course at the library,' others advised 'I go to church,' 'I go out for lunch with staff,' and ' I go out to feed the birds.' Within the home activities included yoga classes, beauty therapy, and jewellery making.
People's health and social care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in writing their care plans which were reviewed regularly to ensure that staff met people's needs consistently.
Staff received appropriate support and supervision to enable them to deliver care and support to people to an appropriate standard.
Is the service caring?
People we spoke with told us that staff were responsive to their needs and treated them with respect. We observed staff knocking on people's bedroom doors, and waiting for a response. They were sensitive and patient when supporting people. People's preferences and interests, goals and diverse needs had been recorded to ensure that care and support were provided in accordance with their wishes.
People using the service, and visitors to the home had completed an annual satisfaction survey indicating that they were happy with the support provided at the home.
Is the service responsive?
We saw that staff had identified people's cultural and religious needs, and people were supported to attend places of worship and have cultural foods. Some people living at the home said that they were being supported to develop daily living skills to move onto more independent accommodation.
There were records in place to indicate that people's consent had been obtained in relation to any restrictions placed upon them within the home. Where this was not possible Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards had been applied for as appropriate. People told us that they were satisfied with the choices available to them including choices about the food, and activities provided. One person told us that the food had improved recently noting 'It's more healthy.'
Is the service well-led?
People we spoke with were happy with the home's management. Staff spoke positively about training, supervision and support provided to them.
We reviewed several monthly audits that took place and the most recent quality assurance survey. Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities, and demonstrated an understanding of the needs of the individual people they cared for.
Records were clear, well organised, and had been reviewed up to date. Where improvements were recommended following a particular incident, we noted that the manager had implemented these promptly.