1 July 2014
During a routine inspection
During the inspection we worked to answer five key questions; is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what we observed, the records we looked at and what people using the service, their relatives and the staff told us.
If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
People's medication was stored, administered, recorded and disposed of appropriately.
People were cared for in an environment that was well maintained. A lot of renovation and redecoration work had been carried out since our previous inspection. Regular safety checks were carried out.
The records we saw were up to date and were stored securely.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and how to submit one.
Is the service effective?
We looked at the care plans of two people who were using the service. A care plan should describe a person's needs and give guidance to staff in how to meet those needs. We saw that care plans had been rewritten since our previous inspection. They provided staff with relevant information about risks to people's health and well-being and how they should support people to minimise those risks.
Is the service caring?
We spoke with six people who were using the service and asked if they were happy with the care and support they received. One person said, 'I am staying here, the staff are all great.'
We observed there to be a calm and relaxed atmosphere throughout our inspection and people were at ease in their surroundings. We observed that people enjoyed the lunch that was provided and different options were available to cater for people's diverse needs.
Is the service responsive?
We observed the support that was provided to people in communal areas of the home during our inspection. Staff encouraged people to be independent and to do as much for themselves as possible. When people required support this was provided in a timely manner.
We saw that people had access to a range of different healthcare professionals when required, such as their GP, dentist and mental health services. Records were completed each day to indicate how each person had spent their day and what support had been required.
Is the service well-led?
People using the service and staff were asked for their feedback and action was taken in response. The provider also had an effective system in place to monitor the quality of the service that was being provided.