Shalimar

Updated 31 January 2019

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

The inspection took place on 19 December 2018 and was unannounced. The inspection team consisted of one inspector.

We examined information we held about the service. This included notifications of incidents that the registered persons had sent us since our last inspection. These are events that happened in the service that the registered persons are required to tell us about. The provider had completed a Provider Information Return. This is information we require providers to send us at least once a year to give some key information about the service, including what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

During our inspection we observed care, support and interactions between staff and people using the service. We spoke with three people who were using the service, the manager, the deputy manager and two further members of care staff. We reviewed all five care files, two staff recruitment files and a sample of management related records, such as audits and policies.

Updated 31 January 2019

Shalimar is a residential care home for up to five people with a learning difficulty some of whom may also have autism. At the time of our inspection five people were using the service. Shalimar is a spacious bungalow, with large outdoor areas and gardens. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post. 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.

The service was safe and people were protected from harm. Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding adults from abuse and knew what to do if they had any concerns and how to report them. Risks to people using the service were assessed and their safety was monitored and managed, with minimal restrictions on their freedom. Risk assessments were thorough and personalised.

The service ensured there were sufficient numbers of suitable staff to meet people’s needs and support them to stay safe. Records confirmed that robust recruitment procedures were followed. Medicines were stored, managed and administered safely. Staff were trained, and their competency checked, in respect of administering and managing medicines.

People using the service were supported to have sufficient amounts to eat and drink and maintain a balanced diet. People enjoyed their meals and were involved in discussions and decisions regarding the menus and options available.

Staff demonstrated a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Staff understood the importance of helping people to make their own choices regarding their care and support. People using the service were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible

The service ensured people were treated with kindness, respect and compassion. People also received emotional support when needed. People told us they were involved in planning the care and support they received and were able to make choices and decisions and maintain their independence as much as possible. Information was provided to people in formats they could understand.

Care plans were personalised and described the holistic care and support each person required, together with details of their strengths and aspirations. Information also explained how people could be supported to maintain and enhance their independence and what could help ensure they consistently had a good quality of life. People’s comments and concerns were listened to and taken seriously. The service also used any comments or complaints to help drive improvement within the service.

People who used the service and staff spoke highly of the management team and told us they felt supported. CQC’s registration requirements were met and complied with and effective quality assurance procedures were in place.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.