Archived: 28 Medina Road

We looked at both people's care records. Two staff were on duty and both were spoken with to gain their views about the service. Feedback from 'resident' meetings and satisfaction questionnaires about the quality of the service provided were also seen.

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?

When we arrived at the service the senior staff member on duty asked to see our identification and asked us to sign in the visitor's book. This meant that appropriate actions were taken to ensure that the people who used the service were protected from others who did not have the right to access their home.

We saw that the staff had been provided with training in safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse, Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). This meant that staff had been provided with the information they needed to ensure that people were safeguarded.

Records viewed showed that the health and safety of the premises were regularly checked. This included regular fire safety checks and meant that people were protected in the event of a fire.

On the day of our visit the service had two care staff on duty and we saw this was sufficient to meet people's needs. Care staff were seen to be available when help was needed and they also showed a good understanding of the non-verbal communication methods used by one person.

Is the service effective?

People's care records showed that care and treatment had been planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. The records had been regularly reviewed and updated, which meant that care staff had been provided with up to date information about how people's needs were to be met.

Is the service caring?

We saw that the care staff interacted with people living in the service in a caring, respectful and professional manner. It was clear when observing the care staff that people were treated with respect and encouraged to be involved in decisions about their care. Both people had lived at the service for a number of years and the care staff had a good understanding of their care needs and how they wished to be supported.

People using the service, their relatives and other professionals involved with the service had the opportunity to complete satisfaction questionnaires. Where shortfalls or concerns were raised these were addressed.

Is the service responsive?

People using the service were provided with the opportunity to participate in activities which interested them. People's choices were taken in to account and listened to.

Care records showed that where concerns about people's wellbeing had been identified the care staff had taken appropriate action to ensure that they were provided with the support they needed. This included seeking support and guidance from health care professionals.

Is the service well-led?

The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way. There were clear lines of accountability and systems in place for people to raise any concerns they may have.

The service had quality assurance systems in place and records seen by us showed that any identified shortfalls had been addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuingly improving.

Despite currently being home to two very different individuals the care home has a relaxed feel as the staff are aware of people's needs and how to avoid conflicts between people but maintain people's independence as far as possible.

Staff explain to people using the service what is happening within the service in an individual way that people can understand. We saw that although people had challenging behaviours occurences of this were rare as there were robust guidelines and risk assessments in place. Where behaviours might have an impact on the premises staff had developed plans to mitigate this and therefore the property was well maintained.

If people needed to make a complaint there were systems in place to support them to do so.

We saw that staff interactions with people using the service were good and that appropriate support was given.

We looked at care plan files and found that people's individual needs had been considered and plans detailed the support required.

We spoke with three staff and found there were systems in place giving support and opportunities for personal development.

We found that the provider had systems in place to monitor the quality of the service.