23 March 2017
During a routine inspection
At the last inspection in November 2014, the service was rated Good overall and we rated the service outstanding for our key question, ‘Is the service responsive?’
At this inspection, we found the service remained Good and demonstrated they continued to meet our regulations.
People told us they continued to receive safe care and were happy living at the service. Staff consistently provided care that was responsive to people’s needs. People remained safe from potential harm because staff were regularly trained to identify abuse. Staff understood their responsibility to report any concerns and were aware of safeguarding procedures to follow to keep people safe. Staff continued to assess and manage risks to people’s safety. Risk management plans remained effective and had enough guidance on the action staff had to take to keep people safe from avoidable harm.
Medicines management systems remained effective. People’s medicines were administered safely by trained staff and securely stored. The provider’s recruitment procedures ensured staff employed were suitable to provide safe care. People received appropriate care and support from a sufficient number of staff. Staff were competent in their role because they received support, training, supervision and appraisal to improve their knowledge and skills.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. Policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Records showed staff respected people’s choices on decisions about their care and supported them to be as independent as possible.
Staff were kind and caring and had developed positive relationships with people. People received care from staff who knew them well and understood how they wanted to be supported. People continued to receive their care as planned and in line with their needs and preferences.
People were involved in the planning and review of their care and support plans. People’s health needs were assessed, reviewed and met in a creative manner. Staff provided care that was responsive to people’s changing needs. Support plans were effective and contained guidance to staff on how they were to provide care in line with people’s wishes.
People enjoyed the food provided at the service and their dietary needs were met. Menu plans showed healthy options and included people’s preferences and choices. Staff continued to support people to access healthcare professionals when needed. Feedback for health care professionals was very positive and confirmed the service remained proactive and worked with them to better people’s lives.
People continued to receive person centred care. People, their relatives and health and care professionals said care at the service was empowering and enhanced people’s quality of life. People remained involved in a wide range of stimulating activities of their choice which they liked. People had access to various unique lounges, communal and recreational areas that allowed them to enjoy different activities, quiet times and receive visitors.
The service was decorated and the environment adorned with people’s artwork and seasonal themes such as a summer at the beach and decorations which kept people stimulated and engaged. People led meaningful lives at the service and were always kept occupied. Care plans provided details of people’s hobbies, interests, preferences and what was important to them and the support they required from staff to achieve their goals. Staff knew people`s needs and ensured they provided appropriate care and support.
The registered manager continued to demonstrate good leadership and commitment to improving the service. They were passionate and determined to continue delivering outstanding care and ensured staff understood the provider’s vision to empower people. People’s views were sought through regular resident meetings, surveys and one to one discussions with the registered manager and staff. People’s feedback was used to drive improvements at the service and the quality of care. People and staff remained complimentary about how the service was managed. People knew how to complain and had easy access to the provider’s complaints procedure.
Staff felt valued at the service and said the registered manager was supportive and approachable. Quality assurances systems remained effective and were consistently used to ensure the safety of the premises and equipment and to improve people’s care and support. There was an open and inclusive culture that ensured staff remained focused on putting people at the centre of service delivery.