This inspection took place on 20 and 21 June 2016 and it was unannounced. At our previous inspection in March 2015, the provider was meeting the regulations we looked at.Friars Lodge provides accommodation, care and support for up to 20 people with a variety of care needs including chronic conditions and physical disabilities. Some people may be living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 16 people living at the service.
The service has a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People felt safe in the service. Staff understood their responsibilities with regards to safeguarding people and were aware of the processes in place for reporting concerns. They had received effective safeguarding training.
Personalised risk assessments were in place that gave guidance to staff on how individual risks to people could be minimised. Medicines were stored appropriately, managed safely and audits completed.
There were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet people's needs. Safe recruitment processes were in place and had been followed to ensure that staff were suitable for the role they had been appointed to prior to commencing work.
Staff were well trained and completed an effective induction programme when they commenced work at the service. Staff were supported in their roles and received regular supervision and appraisals.
People were supported to make choices in relation to their food and drink and a varied menu was offered. People's health care needs were being met and they received support from health and medical professionals when required.
Staff were kind, considerate and friendly. People's privacy and dignity was promoted throughout, their care and consent was gained before any care was provided.
People's needs had been assessed and care plans took account of their individual needs, preferences and choices. Care plans and risk assessments had been regularly reviewed to ensure that they were reflective of people's current needs.
People were encouraged and supported to participate in a range of activities and received relevant information regarding the services available to them.
The service was led by a registered manager who was visible and approachable. People, relatives and staff spoke highly of the registered manager and their ability to manage the service.
People, relatives and staff knew who to raise concerns with and there was an open culture. People and their relatives were asked for their feedback on the service and comments were encouraged. Quality monitoring systems and processes were used effectively to drive improvements in the service and identify where action needed to be taken.