We inspected Bridgemarsh Residential Home. We spoke with three people who used the service. Many people using the service had communication difficulties which meant we were unable to speak with more people and therefore we used observation to look at interaction between people and staff. We also spoke with management staff and three members of care staff. They helped answer our five 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. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people who used the service, the staff supporting them and from looking at records.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
People's health and care needs were assessed fully with them and their representatives, and they were involved in planning how their care should be provided. Specialist health, mobility and behavioural issues had been identified in care plans when this featured as part of the person's needs, for example if a person had fluctuating moods this was noted in the records. People said that they took part in making decisions about their care, their health and any changes. We saw that care records reflected people's current needs.
Policies and procedures were in place which were robust and regularly updated. This meant that staff had a safe structure to work within and that all staff knew what was expected of them.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted at the time of the inspection, consideration was required for one person using the service. Detailed policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made and how to submit one.
The building in which the service was run from was safe and appropriate for the needs of those people who lived there. Daily checks and regular audits were in place. Contracts were in place for maintenance and annual checks such as fire safety checks. People's needs were taken into account which enabled people to move around freely and safely. The premises were suitable for people's needs and aids had been provided to meet the needs of people with physical and visual impairments.
Daily checks are required for fridge temperatures which held medication, to help ensure that medication is held at the correct temperature, meaning it is safe to be administered.
Is the service effective?
We saw that the staff employed had relevant experience and qualifications to enable them to complete their role. Training was encouraged and undertaken regularly. Support was given to staff through supervision, appraisal and training to help ensure they had the knowledge and skills required to effectively complete their work.
People using the service and their representatives were able to give feedback on the service. Staff and management analysed the information given to ensure that the service remained appropriate and effective in meeting the needs of those using the service.
Is the service caring?
People are treated with respect and dignity by the staff. People told us that the staff were kind and helpful. One person told us, 'I get all the help I need.'
People were supported by caring staff. We saw that staff showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. One person commented, 'I have everything I need, the staff are good and I love it here.'
People who used the service and their representatives had been asked for their views on the service. During these reviews people confirmed that they felt well cared for and this view was shared by relatives.
People's preferences, interests and needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes. Encouragement was given to people to live as independently as possible within safe parameters.
Is the service responsive?
People completed a range of activities in and outside the service regularly. People told us, 'I like to go bowling,' and, 'I attend a meeting in Essex where we get together to talk about services and what needs to be done everywhere.'
People told us that they felt listened to and they felt able to talk to all staff if they wanted to do anything. Staff confirmed that they felt people were able to make choices, which were then responded to.
When people's needs changed, we found that care records had been updated to reflect this. We saw that health professionals were involved in a timely manner when people needed them and that advocacy services were available to people who used the service.
Is the service well-led?
The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a seamless way. We saw evidence that the management team had focused on managing the service and ensured that care provided was relevant and that people who used the service were the central focus when planning their care.
The service had a quality assurance system; we saw positive feedback had been received from people and their representatives. Development of this system was underway to ensure that as much feedback was obtained from people as possible. The management team completed analysis of feedback and information received.
We saw that staff were supported by management and encouraged to undertaken relevant training courses and qualifications to enhance their knowledge.