In this report the name of a registered manager appears who was not in post and not managing the regulatory activities at this location at the time of the inspection. Their name appears because they were still a Registered Manager on our register at this time. Hunningley Grange is a residential care home which was providing care and support to 24 people at the time of our inspection. We spoke with a group of eight people who were sitting in a lounge and with three people individually in their rooms. We also spoke with five members of staff, two relatives, a visiting healthcare professional and the area manager who is currently working as home manager.
We considered all the evidence against the outcomes we inspected to help answer our five key questions; is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service well led?
Below is a summary of what we found. If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
People told us they felt safe and staff understood their role in safeguarding the people they supported. Staff had received training in safeguarding to ensure people were protected from the risk of abuse. People who lived in the home said, 'I feel very safe here, everyone looks after me' and 'I'm as safe as can be here.' One relative told us, 'I can go home at night and sleep knowing my family member is safe and well.'
Care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to promote people's welfare. Staff used risk assessments. There were risk assessments in place with people's planned care. These gave details of how individual risks to a person could be removed or minimised.
The home had proper policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards although no applications had needed to be submitted. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and in how to submit one. This meant that people would be safeguarded as required.
In December 2013 we carried out a responsive inspection at Hunningley Grange because we had received some information of concern regarding this service. This alleged that staff were working at the home without having a completed enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, formally known as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Following the responsive inspection the provider sent us an action plan stating the action they would take so they could be assured people who used the service were provided with care that did not present a risk to people.
At this inspection we found there was an effective recruitment procedure in place to ensure people employed were of good character and had the skills and experience necessary for the work they performed. All staff had completed DBS checks which helped to safeguard people who lived in the home.
Is the service effective?
Care files we checked confirmed that initial assessments had been carried out by the staff at the home before people moved into the home. This was to ensure the home was able to effectively meet the needs of the people. People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in writing their plans of care. Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required. People and their relatives said they had been involved in writing them and they reflected their current needs. Visitors confirmed they were able to see people in private and that visiting times were flexible.
Is the service caring?
We found people were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. During our inspection we observed staff speaking with people who used the service in a friendly and caring way. We observed care and support was provided to people when requested. Care workers we spoke with demonstrated a good understanding of the people's needs and were able to give examples of how they promoted people's independence.
People we spoke with told us staff were, "very nice" and "always patient." A relative said, 'I visit my family member nearly every day and the staff are very good with everyone.'
People using the service, their relatives, friends and other professionals involved with the service completed an annual satisfaction survey. Where shortfalls or concerns were raised these were addressed.
Is the service responsive?
Staff and a relative told us the care and support provided was flexible to the person's needs and adjustments could be made where required. Staff said they informed the manager if they felt any change in needs was required and the support was reviewed. For example one person was requiring daily showers and this was being provided.
People completed a range of activities in and outside the service regularly. We observed staff treating people with kindness and helping them with their daily activities such as personal care and social activities. We saw staff spending time with people on a one to one basis and it was very evident that people enjoyed this.
People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. One relative said, 'I can say anything to the staff and they will listen and put it right."
Is the service well-led?
The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way. We spoke with one visiting healthcare professional who told us, 'We work well with the staff. They inform us of any concerns and we resolve them together. There are always staff around to assist us if needed.'
Staff had recorded supervision sessions with the manager and were kept updated about any information they needed to know about the service. This helped to maintain consistency in the running of the service and to ensure staff were aware of relevant information.
The service carried out a yearly 'Quality Assurance Survey'. Feedback was sought by way of customer satisfaction surveys sent to people who used the service, their relatives and friends and healthcare professionals. This showed people had the opportunity to put their views across.
The service had a quality assurance system. Monthly and/or weekly audits were completed regarding such things as medication, care plans, the environment, staffing and infection control. Records seen by us showed that any shortfalls identified in audits were addressed promptly.