At the time of our inspection there were 13 people living in Astral Lodge Residential Home. We spoke with and spent time with people who used the service. We also spoke with three members of staff, the manager of the service and the friends/relatives of two people who used the service. We looked at five people's care plans and records. Other records viewed included staff induction, supervision and training records, health and safety checks, quality monitoring information and staff meeting minutes. We considered our inspection findings to answer five key questions; is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led? This is a summary of what we found;
Is the service safe?
When we arrived at the service a member of staff checked our identity and we were asked to sign in the visitor's book. This meant that the appropriate actions were taken to ensure that the people who used the service were protected from others who did not have the right to access their home.
Staff had received a range of training to ensure that they worked in ways that were safe. Training included fire safety, first aid, the safeguarding of vulnerable adults from abuse (SOVA) and the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. This assured people who used the service that staff had the knowledge to know how to care for them safely and protect them from harm.
During our inspection we assessed how the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) were being implemented. Mental capacity assessments had been completed for people correctly to maintain the safety and rights of people who used the service.
People told us they were content living in the service and that they would speak with the staff if they had concerns.
We found that appropriate arrangements were in place to ensure that people who used the service were protected against the risks associated with the unsafe use and management of medicines. People had their medicines at the times they needed them, and in a safe way.
We found that people lived in a pleasant and safe environment which was well maintained. We saw records which showed that the health and safety in the service was regularly checked. This included regular fire safety checks which meant that people were protected in the event of a fire.
Is the service effective?
People told us that they were very happy with the service and that it met their needs. People made comments such as, "I am very happy," and, "The staff are lovely." People who were unable to verbally express their views were relaxed, interacted well with staff and were being well supported. Feedback from relatives showed that they were happy with the care and support offered at Astral Lodge. One person told us, "I really can't fault it here."
People's care was supported through assessments, care plans and risk assessments being in place. This ensured that staff understood people's needs and could care for them safely, effectively and consistently.
Staff who worked in the service were supported through on-going training and supervision to offer people care and support that met their needs.
Is the service caring?
We saw and heard good interactions between the staff and people who used the service. Staff were respectful, caring, encouraging and supportive towards people.
We saw that feedback from relatives about the service included comments such as, "[Carers] are so caring and very kind we are comforted that they are being looked after so well," and, "All the staff are very caring."
Is the service responsive?
We saw that staff consulted with people and offered them choices in their daily lives. People's choices were taken into account and listened to.
Staff were responsive to people's changing wishes and needs about where they went and what they did and supported them well.
People's care records showed that where concerns about their wellbeing had been identified the staff had taken appropriate action to ensure that people were provided with the support they needed. This included seeking support and guidance from other health care professionals.
Is the service well-led?
The service had an experienced manager in post. Senior staff provided leadership on each shift. The provider had systems in place such as quality surveys and audits to monitor and improve the service. These mean us that the service was being well led.