We looked at five standards during this inspection and set out to answer these key 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. This is based on our visit to the home when we met with the people who used the service and with members of the staff and management team. Please read the full report if you want to see the evidence supporting our summary.
Is the service safe?
Recruitment practice was safe with a thorough procedure in place. This helped to ensure that the staff were suitable to be working with the people who used the service.
Systems were in place for ensuring that the home provided a safe environment for people. However, maintenance works had been taking place at the home and there were shortcomings in how the risks relating to these were being managed and reduced to promote people's safety.
Is the service effective?
The people we spoke with said that their needs were being met. People were supported in ways which promoted their independence. They told us they were able to do things that were important to them, such as seeing their family and being involved in a local church.
Staff liaised with healthcare specialists outside the home so that people received the support they needed with their physical and mental health.
Is the service caring?
The relationships between staff and the people who used the service appeared to be friendly and positive. People we met with said that they felt able to talk with staff if they were unhappy about something.
Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and their duty of care to people. They knew the procedures to follow if they had any concerns about people's care and welfare
Is the service responsive?
People had the opportunity to express their views about the service they received. This included having the opportunity to meet with applicants for support worker roles and giving feedback as part of the selection process.
Staff, in the role of key worker, reviewed people's health and welfare with them on a regular basis. This meant that support could be provided which reflected people's current needs.
Is the service well led?
A new manager had recently been appointed and they were successful in their application for registration with the Commission. Arrangements were being made for quality assurance and for improving the service. These included regularly visits by a senior manager to monitor standards in the home. This helped to ensure that action was taken to develop the service and make improvements when needed. Some checks however were not being undertaken in a consistent and thorough way. This created a risk to people's safety and welfare.