The inspection was carried out by an adult social care inspector. We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask;' Is the service caring?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service safe?
' Is the service effective?
' 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 using the service and 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 caring?
The service was caring. We saw that care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people.
Staff demonstrated a good understanding of the needs of the people who used the service and could describe how to maintain people's dignity and how to ensure people's choices were respected.
People who used the service, their relatives, friends and other professionals involved with the service, completed an annual satisfaction survey. Where suggestions or concerns had been raised; the provider had listened and made changes to the service.
People's preferences, interests and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.
' Is the service responsive?
The service was responsive. Care records demonstrated there had been changes in people's needs. We found that other health care professionals, for example doctors and district nurses had been consulted and their advice sought.
We saw that people's care needs were kept under review and care plans, risk assessments and support plans were updated when required.
' Is the service safe?
The service was safe. Systems were in place to make sure that the registered manager and staff learnt from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns and investigations. This reduced the risks to people and helped to ensure that the service continually improved.
The people who used the service told us they were happy and that they felt safe. We saw that people were treated with respect and dignity by staff.
Staff had completed training in how to safeguard vulnerable adults. This meant that people were safeguarded as required.
The service was safe, clean and hygienic. Equipment was well maintained and serviced regularly so people who used the service were not put at unnecessary risk.
' Is the service effective?
The service is effective. People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in writing their plans of care when possible. Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required.
The majority of staff had received appropriate training and professional development. Specialised training had been completed to ensure the needs of the people who used the service could be met.
' Is the service well led?
The service is well led. The service had quality assurance systems in place and records we looked at showed that identified shortfalls were addressed promptly.
The provider consulted with people about how the service was run and took account of their views.
Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. This helped to ensure that people received a good quality service at all times.
What people who used the service and those that matter to them said about the care and support they received.
People who used the service told us that they felt safe. One person said, 'Yes I feel safe. I like the staff and I'm treated very well.' Another person told us, 'They (the staff) keep me safe, they give me my tablets every day and send for the doctor if I'm ill.'
A relative we spoke with said, 'I don't have the worries I used to have about Mum, I worried about her falling or not taking her medication but I don't have to worry now, Mum is safe here, the staff look after her Mum is happy.'