Archived: Chestnut Grange

Is the service caring?

On the day of our inspection visit we found the service to be caring. People we spoke with told us that they were happy with the care that had been delivered to them and their needs had been met. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of the people's care and support needs and that they knew them well. One person told us, "The staff are really good. They are like friends." Another person said, "The staff take us out and about.'

Is the service responsive?

On the day of our inspection visit we found the service to be responsive. People living at the service told us they sat with their key worker each month and talked about the things that were important to them. One person said, 'I tell them the things I like to do and we talk about holidays and things.' Another person said, 'I tell my key worker if I need something and they sort it out.' We spoke with people about their physical health needs and they all said they saw their doctor if they needed to. They also told us they visited the dentist regularly and where necessary, had eye tests. Records showed that people received assessment and treatment from NHS health care professionals when required.

Is the service safe?

On the day of our inspection visit we found the service to be safe. CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications had been submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and how to submit one. People we spoke with confirmed that they felt safe at the home and would speak to the manager or any of the staff if they had any concerns.

Is the service effective?

On the day of our inspection visit we found the service to be effective.There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the people living at the home and a member of the management team was available in case of emergencies. We spoke with three of the people who used the service. They were positive about the care and support they received. They told us they were well cared for and were encouraged to be as independent as possible. One of the people we spoke with said, "I go to the post box on my own but wouldn't want to go anywhere else without staff.'

Is the service well led?

On the day of our inspection visit we found the service to be well led. People who used the service, their representatives and staff were asked for their views about their care and treatment and they were acted on, through an annual survey. People living at the service were offered support to complete surveys and advocacy services were used for people who required independent support. Staff we spoke with told us they felt well supported by the management team and enjoyed working at the service. One said, "I love this kind of work. The managers are very approachable. We have regular, structured supervisions for us to discuss our work and appraisals. They are always available and find time to support us." They also said, "The training is great. I attend everything I can. You can never learn too much.'

Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and quality assurance processes were in place.

We found that people were provided with a choice of suitable and nutritious food and drink and people who used the service told us they enjoyed the meals provided.

We found that a training and development programme was in place. People told us they felt the support staff were suitably qualified and effective in performing their duties to maintain people's health and wellbeing.

We found that systems were in place to enable people residing at the home, or their advocates, to complain or make comments about the quality of the service provided.