We carried out an inspection on 8th May 2014. We talked with the registered manager, deputy manager, the staff and we reviewed information given to us by the provider. We met and spent time with two of the four people who lived at Lanrick Cottage. They were able to communicate with us in a limited way. They appeared to be happy, relaxed and comfortable with the staff who supported them.Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, observations of 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 our full report.
Is the service safe?
From our observations and from the information we saw set out in care plans, policies, procedures and audits the provider's safety monitoring systems were robust. The staff showed that they had a clear understanding of their role in providing care and safeguarding the people they supported. The staff demonstrated that they knew the people well and had read and understood the instructions set out in individual care plans.
We saw evidence that people were supported to make decisions for themselves. They were helped to develop their independence and life skills. The care plans set out detailed instructions for staff as to how each person should be respected. When people lacked the capacity to make important decisions, meetings were held to make decisions for them that were in their best interests.
The staff we spoke with understood about the risk management plans that had been written for all the people and how these met with their particular needs. Staff demonstrated that they understood how to show people respect and maintain people's dignity at all times.
The deputy manager told us that there were no deprivations of liberty safeguards in place for the people who lived at Lanrick Cottage.
We noted that the staffing levels were currently sufficient to support the needs of the people while they were at Lanrick Cottage and to go out in the community.
There were systems in place to make sure that management and staff learned from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, and concerns. This meant that people were benefiting from a service that was taking on board lessons learnt.
Is the service effective?
People's health and care needs had been assessed and care plans were in place. There was evidence of people and their representatives being involved in assessments of their needs and planning their care. Specialist health care needs were always assessed and included in care plans and health action plans. Specialist health and social care professionals regularly gave input to the service. All care, activity and risk assessment plans were being reviewed regularly. Every person had a representative and advocacy services were available if required.
We saw that the people who lived at Lanrick Cottage were being supported to develop their learning and independence. We were told about the activities they enjoyed and the plans for a holiday. The staff we spoke with told us how they worked with each person to support them to undertake the things they wanted to do.
Is the service caring?
We observed during our visit and saw in people's care plans that people were supported and encouraged to live full and active lives. People took part in a wide range of leisure and social activities. We saw that everyone was supported to access the activities they enjoyed.
The staff we spoke with demonstrated to us that they were committed to providing the best levels of care and to facilitate activities for the people who used the service. They demonstrated that they were aware of potential risks, people's rights and their responsibilities.
Is the service responsive?
We found that care plans were person centred and contained lots of information about people's choice and preferences. We saw that everyone's care plans contained detailed information about each person's support preferences.
We found that people's health and care needs were being regularly assessed. There was regular input from external social care and health professionals when needed.
We were told that there had been no complaints or concerns made in the last 18 months. We were told by the deputy manager that any complaints or concerns would be taken very seriously and action taken to resolve the issue.
We were told about and we saw that staff received regular training to meet the support needs of the people who used the service.
Is the service well-led?
There have been changes in the management of the home and a new manager has recently taken up the post. There are now two deputy managers and there is a clear management structure within the service and the provider organisation. From the discussions with the registered manager and deputy, they were knowledgeable about the service, the people and staff. They met with their managers and peers regularly to maintain up to date knowledge.
The deputy manager told us that the new registered manager and the owner of the provider organisation regularly visited the premises to speak with the staff and the people who lived there. The provider had a quality assurance system in place. There were systems in place to provide feedback to staff about changes and developments at team meetings and recorded in the communications book.
The staff we spoke with had a good understanding of the provider's policies and procedures. Information was readily available which all the staff were able to access. The staff we spoke with said that if they witnessed poor practice they would report their concerns.
Staff we spoke with told us that enjoyed their work. They told us that there was a good team spirit and everyone stepped up to take on responsibly while they were without a manager. The said that they now felt they were supported by new management structure and involved in the development of the service.