17 April 2014
During a routine inspection
This is the summary of what we found:
Is the service safe?
Staff checked our identification and asked us to sign the visitors book. This meant that the service ensured that people were protected from the risk of visitors who were not authorised to access their home.
People were cared for in an environment that was safe, clean and hygienic. Staff received regular training and competence checks for hand washing and infection control. We saw that staff were provided with training in administering medication and that medicines were stored and disposed of safely
People told us they felt safe. One person said 'I feel nice and safe here'. We looked at rotas and found there were enough staff on duty to keep people safe and meet their care needs.
We observed that some internal doors between communal areas of the service were alarmed. We noted that this enabled a person with dementia to walk around the service freely but enabled staff to be aware of where they were in case they needed any help. This maximised their independence but kept them safe.
Staff received training in safeguarding people from abuse and were aware of their responsibilities to refer concerns to the appropriate authority. The service had policies and procedures in place in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DoLS) and were in the process of reviewing each person to ensure the service was compliant with DoLS.
An annual health and safety audit was carried out and we saw evidence of regular health and safety checks.
Is the service effective?
People's health and care needs were assessed in consultation with either the person themselves or relatives. People's care plans reflected their healthcare needs and the service worked in conjunction with support from outside professionals to meet them.
We found that the lack of daily activities meant some people were bored. One person told us 'I wish there was more to do'. We saw that one person had evidence of several past interests such as gardening and crafts but their relative told us that they did not do anything anymore as the care staff did not have enough time.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by staff who were kind, caring and respectful. Care workers supported people with patience and genuine affection, assisting people who required additional support in a dignified manner and at their own pace.
People told us they were happy and felt well cared for. One relative told us '(My relative) is very settled here. I really have no concerns, they are very good here'. Another person said 'It's not the end of the road here. There are nice friendly people'I can talk to them'
Is the service responsive?
People's care records showed that where concerns about an individual's wellbeing had been identified, 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 in a timely manner.
The service held regular meetings with the people who lived there and their relatives and also sent out quality assurance surveys. We saw that the service responded positively to comments and took action where necessary.
People's preferences, interests and choices had been recorded in detail in their care plans and we observed that care and support was delivered in accordance with people's wishes.
Is the service well led?
The service had a quality assurance system and we saw that regular audits were carried out by the manager and senior staff to monitor various aspects of the service.
Staff we spoke with were very positive about the leadership of the service and said that they felt well supported.