Archived: Homestead

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, the staff supporting them and from looking at records

Is the service safe?

The staff on duty had good understanding of how to meet the needs of people who used the service. We saw that people felt safe and comfortable in the presence of staff. Staff received regular training and support which enabled them to provide safe care.

One person told us if they had any concerns, they would tell the staff on duty and felt they listened to them. We saw that one of the lights on the landing did not work. The senior staff on duty called the maintenance person to fix the problem immediately. This meant that that the provider ensured people were kept safe by reacting in a timely manner to issues that were reported.

Risk assessments were in place which identified any specific risks for people who used the service. People and staff were involved in fire drill training so they knew what to do if there was a fire in at the service. Individual fire evacuation plans were in place so staff and the people knew what to do if there was a fire. Health and safety checks were carried out to make sure the premises and people using the service were kept safe.

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs were assessed and plans of care were put in place to meet their needs. Information about how people communicated their needs and wishes were clearly identified in care plans which helped ensure that all staff were able to provide appropriate care. We saw that care plans were being updated by staff when people's needs changed. This ensured staff had accurate information about people's new needs that was reflective of their current conditions.

Is the service caring?

People were treated with dignity and respect by the staff. We saw staff approached people who used the service in a caring manner. People's preferences, interests, and needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided accordingly. All the people we spoke with told us that the staff were very 'nice and caring.'

Is the service responsive?

Staff had a good understanding of people's needs. One person told us that they had meetings with staff and they listened and supported them appropriately. We saw people had residents meetings and they discussed activities, menus, and any issues that they were not happy with at the service. This meant people were able to voice their opinions.

Is the service well-led?

We found that the service was being well managed by the provider and there were systems in place to identify and make improvements where necessary. Staff received training, supervision and support from their supervisor, which helped them to provide safe and effective care.

The provider had monitoring systems in place to ensure that medication administration records were fully completed. Staff training records and people's care plans were updated to meet their current needs. We saw that health and safety checks were also undertaken regularly to ensure all systems were up to date and kept people safe.

We looked at the care and support arrangements that were in place for people who used the service, looked at how medicines were handled, we looked at the safety and suitability of the premises, the checks that the service completed on staff, the staffing levels, the quality assurance systems that were in place and how records were maintained and secured.

We identified concerns with the care and support that was provided to people, the staffing levels, the quality assurance systems and the records that were maintained.