A single inspector carried out this inspection. The focus of the inspection was to answer the five key questions we always ask: ' 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 describes what people using the service and the staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at. If you would like to see the evidence that supports the summary, please read the full report.
At the time of our inspection on 23 September 2014, the provider was not carrying out the regulated activity 'Diagnostics and screening' at this service. This regulated activity was therefore not assessed on this occasion.
We used a number of different methods to help us understand the experiences of people using the service. Some of the people using the service had complex needs which meant they were not all able to tell us about their experiences. We observed care being provided and spoke with two people who lived at the home, five staff members and one health care professional. We also looked at three people's records and records relating to the management of the home, including three staff member's files.
Is the service safe?
People told us they felt safe with the staff who provided their care. The provider used a variety of risk assessments to ensure people's needs were met safely. We found that appropriate arrangements were in place in relation to obtaining, recording, storage, administration and disposal of medicines. Satisfactory pre-employment checks were obtained before staff began providing care to people. This helped to ensure that people were cared for by staff whose character had been reliably established.
Is the service effective?
People told us that the staff understood and met their needs. We found that care was planned and delivered in a way that ensured people's needs were met reliably, and in the way people preferred. Where possible, people were involved in the planning of their care.
The staff we spoke with told us that the senior staff were very approachable. They said they had received comprehensive induction, training and support, including one to one meetings and annual appraisal. This helped them to meet the needs of the people they provided care and treatment to.
Is the service caring?
Both people we spoke with made positive comments about the staff who provided their care. One person said, 'The only time I have to tell staff what to do is the new ones. But they've always read my care plans.' The other person told us, 'All the staff are very nice all the time. I've no complaints.' During our inspection, staff interactions with people were seen to be respectful and caring in their approach. People told us this was always the case.
Is the service responsive?
Before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes. Where people did not have the capacity to consent, the provider acted in accordance with legal requirements. People confirmed that they were consulted about the care and treatment they received. One person told us, 'If I don't want care, staff come back later.'
Is the service well led?
A new manager took up post in July 2014. Staff we spoke with told us that the home was better organised, which had improved the service provided to people who lived at The Gables. Staff told us they enjoyed working at the home and felt involved in the running of the service. One care worker told us, 'I feel my view is counted. The nurses and [manager] listen to me and take on board what I say.'
The manager sought the views of people who used the service and acted on what they said. A comprehensive quality assurance system was in place. This helped to ensure that people received a good quality service at all times.
There were systems in place to audit the quality of the service and to report and monitor complaints, accidents and injuries. This meant that the service was able to learn from adverse events and take action to make improvements when necessary.
We found that the provider was compliant with the regulations in all the areas we assessed. If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.