Archived: Birwood

We considered our inspection findings to answer 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?

This is a summary of what we found '

Is the service safe?

Risk assessments had been carried out and risk management plans were in place to ensure people could take part in tasks and activities safely as part of an independent lifestyle. People's health and personal care needs had been met, however there had not always been the right amount of staff working at the home to meet the social care needs of people who used the service. Systems and equipment used at the home had been checked by a suitably qualified person to ensure it was safe to use. People were supported to eat a healthy and balanced diet and staff understood their dietary needs.

Is the service effective?

Staff were respectful and polite towards people who used the service and they encouraged and supported people to take part in the day to day running of the home. Regular checks were carried out at the home to ensure people received safe care and support, including checks on people's finances, care records and the environment.

Is the service caring?

People received the support they needed with their health and personal care needs and they were supported to maintain contact with people who were important to them. Staff had good knowledge of people's choices and support needs and were able to communicate well with them. We observed that staff spent time promoting people's independence and they were kind and treated people with respect.

Is the service responsive?

People had received support to maintain relationships with people important to them. Staff had a good understanding of people's preferences and choices and staff responded appropriately to these. People were supported to attend regular healthcare checks and their healthcare was appropriately monitored. We observed that staff communicated with people using their preferred methods of communication. There was a complaints procedure available at the home which was provided in an easy read format to help people better understand it.

Is the service well-led?

The manager and staff carried out checks at the home to ensure people were safe and protected from any risk of harm.

People who used the service had limited verbal communication but could communicate in a number of other ways. They were supported by staff who knew the appropriate way to communicate with them when decisions needed to be made about their care and welfare.

Before people received any care they were routinely asked for their consent. Members of staff told us that they always explained all procedures and treatments. The care records we looked at contained evidence of people's views and experiences that were taken into account in the way the service was provided. People's needs were assessed and care and support was planned and delivered in line with their individual care needs. The care plans contained information setting out exactly how each person should be supported to ensure that their needs were met.

People were cared for and supported by suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff. Appropriate checks had been undertaken before staff began work. This included carrying out a criminal records check and obtaining references from previous employers.

People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines.

People were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment because accurate and appropriate records were maintained.

We observed the support provided by staff and checked a sample of records. During our visit we met individually with people who used the service and we spoke over the telephone to a relative. They said, "This is a very good service, the carers are really good". In addition we spoke with three members of staff who held various roles at Birwood. We observed that the service operated as far as possible as an ordinary domestic household.

We saw evidence that Birwood had acted on recommendations from a previous inspection report regarding work that was needed to ensure that any risks of receiving care or treatment that was inappropriate or unsafe were identified and acted upon in a timely manner. They had provided evidence to demonstrate they had followed up on actions and had introduced a speech therapist and advocates to support the people who used the service.