Archived: Dean House

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

Is the service caring?

People were supported by attentive staff who encouraged people to be as independent as possible. We saw that care workers showed patience and supported people in their decision making. People's preferences, interests and needs were recorded and staff regularly checked with people if they wished to change them or to introduce new objectives. Care plans and risk assessments were regularly reviewed so that staff had up to date information about people's needs. People who used the service and staff had completed satisfaction surveys to gain feedback for future service development.

Is the service responsive?

Before admission people were supported in making visits to the home. This gave them the opportunity to make a decision about moving in and for staff to observe their interactions with others who already lived in the home. This process included a full physical and mental health assessment. The home had its own car, which helped to keep people involved with their local community. People were supported by a range of external professional who assessed and advised about care and support. Staff had responded positively to these.

Is the service safe?

People were treated with dignity and respect and staff asked for permission before carrying out a task. All staff had received training in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and they respected the decisions made when a professional had assessed people. Staff ensured that the home was kept tidy and hygienic to ensure that people were protected from unnecessary infections. People who were assessed as being at risk were observed in the home and were escorted during outings from the home. Staff were aware of individual risk management plans and we saw examples of where they had been followed. People's care files contained risk assessments that were relevant to them both in the home and the community.

Is the service effective?

People's physical and mental health needs were assessed upon admission and as an ongoing process. Other health needs had been assessed such as diabetes, mobility and nutrition. People's needs had been recorded and care plans developed, which were regularly reviewed. We spoke with some people who used the service. One person told us: "It's lovely here, I like living here."

Is the service well led?

The service worked in partnership with key organisations such as specialist nurses, psychiatrists and social workers to support care provision and service development. Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff also had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and the need to provide a good service. There was a quality assurance system in place that protected people who used the service and made ongoing improvements for their benefit. We found that people were able to influence the way they were cared for and were supported with their individual monthly meetings with their key workers and with monthly resident group meetings.

This was a positive inspection. The standard we needed to follow up from last inspection was to ensure that medication arrangements were fully in place. We found that they were. The manager had taken action to ensure this had been put into place.

A person told us that staff; 'are there to help you'.

We spoke with three relatives. Everyone told us that the care staff provided was of a very high standard.

One relative said; 'staff are caring. They know what they are doing '.

This was largely a positive inspection. People living in the home and their relatives were satisfied with the care that staff supplied. Most of the essential standards we inspected were met. The only standard that needed to be fully in place was to ensure medication arrangements mean that people always received their prescribed medication, and that unused medication was quickly returned.

A person told us that staff members were friendly and caring. 'Staff are good. They help me when I need them'.

We spoke with four relatives. They all told us that the care was of a high standard and they had no concerns. Everyone said that staff were very friendly and professional. They all said that the manager was very efficient, receptive to their views and would do anything to ensure care was of a high standard.

One relative said; 'The care they give is excellent'. Another relative said; 'The home is very good. Staff are friendly and professional'.

We received some comments about suggested improvements: the alleged abruptness of one staff member when speaking to people: To have more community activities: To ensure that communication is improved between shifts by staff giving more detail as to what care had taken place, and for staff to always read this so that they aware of people's changing care needs. The manager said that she would follow up these issues.

This was a positive inspection. Improvement actions from the last inspection have been followed up in respect of the improvement of decor, proper staff references being sought and making sure that any issues affecting the quality of service are followed up.