At the time of our inspection the service provided care and support to 13 people. As part of our inspection we spoke with six people who used the service two visiting relatives and a visiting health care professional. We also spoke with four staff members and the home manager. The focus of the inspection was 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 people who used the service, their relatives and the staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at.
To see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.
This is a summary of what we found:
Is the service safe?
People had been cared for in an environment that was safe, and well maintained. Equipment and services in the home had been well maintained and serviced regularly.
Risk assessments were in place to provide information to staff to help minimise the risk of any harm to people.
All feedback indicated that there was enough staff and they were competent in the work they undertook.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. Staff were able to describe when a DoLS had been put in place in the past and why this had been used. Staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and the manager knew how to submit and review one.
Is the service effective?
We saw individual plans of care were in place. There was evidence to confirm that these were reviewed and updated to reflect any changing need.
People told us that they received the care they required and were well cared for. People said, 'I am quite happy here thank you.' Direct observation and discussion with staff confirmed staff were knowledgeable about people's care and social support needs.
Training records seen confirmed staff had received appropriate training to meet the needs of people living at the home.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind and caring staff. We saw that staff were patient and gave encouragement when supporting people.
Our observations confirmed that people were encouraged to be independent but were helped when they needed any support.
Is the service responsive?
We saw that people's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home. Individual care plans were developed for each person following admission. People were given choices and when they declined, this was responded to appropriately. People had access to activities and had been supported to maintain relationships with their friends and relatives. Staff and people talked about the dogs and other pets that came to the home for petting.
Is the service well-led?
We saw that a number of quality assurance processes were in place. These included feedback from people who used the service and their representatives.
People, visitors and staff told us that if they had any concerns they would speak with the manager. Everyone spoken with told us that they had no reason to complain but felt that if they did any issue would be dealt with effectively.
Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. The manager told us a deputy manager was to be appointed. Senior care staff worked in the home alongside more junior staff to lead the shift. Staff said they were kept up to date with any changes as required.