Archived: St Michael's View Residential Care Home for Older People

At our last inspection, on 24 August 2016, we rated the service as good. At this inspection, we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring, that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Processes were in place to safeguard people from abuse. Risks to people’s health and safety were assessed and actions taken to reduce these risks. Incidents and accidents were reported, investigated, and action to prevent recurrence, were identified. There were sufficient numbers of staff with the right qualifications, skills and experience to provide a high standard of care.

The premises and equipment were maintained to ensure people’s safety and the required safety checks were completed regularly. Arrangements were in place to maintain good standards of hygiene and cleanliness and people were protected by procedures to prevent and control infection.

People continued to receive an effective service. Staff received the training and support they required to meet people’s individual needs. People were provided with a healthy and nutritious diet and were provided with the support they needed to eat and drink sufficiently. Staff worked well with external health care professionals and people were supported to access health services when required. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in place supported this practice.

Staff were caring and compassionate towards the people they cared for and we observed a relaxed, friendly atmosphere within the home. They protected people’s privacy and dignity and spoke discreetly with people when discussing their support. People were involved in discussing their care and support needs.

People continued to receive care that was responsive to their individual needs. Staff developed a good level of knowledge about the people they cared for and they responded effectively to their needs and wishes. People were treated equally, without discrimination. People were encouraged to maintain their relationships and contacts outside the home. A range of activities were provided, based on people’s interests and wishes.

The service continued to be well led. The quality and consistency of care was monitored through the use of audits and the views of staff, people using the service and visitors was sought. Improvements were identified from the results of these activities, to facilitate the continuous improvement of the quality of the service provided.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

St Michael’s View is split across two floors, the ground floor accommodates people with support needs associated with old age and staff on the first floor provided care and support to people with dementia related illnesses. The service also provided a falls and fractures rehabilitation service for older people who have recently been discharged from hospital following a fall or fracture, this was a short term service lasting up to six weeks. In addition to this the service provided respite services.

The service had a registered manager in place at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons.’ Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

We found that people were supported by staff who knew how to recognise and respond to abuse and systems were in place to minimise the risk of harm. Risks associated with people’s care and support were effectively assessed and managed.

People had access to healthcare and people’s health needs were monitored and responded to. Medicines were managed safely and people received their medicines as prescribed. People were supported to eat and drink enough.

People were supported by staff who had the knowledge and skills to provide safe and appropriate care and support. There were sufficient numbers of staff available to meet people’s needs. Safe recruitment practices were followed and staff were provided with regular supervision and support.

People were enabled to make decisions about their support and were asked for their consent by staff providing care. Where a person lacked capacity to make certain decisions they were protected under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Staff were kind and compassionate and treated people with respect and people’s rights to privacy and dignity were promoted and upheld. People were supported to raise issues and staff knew how to deal with concerns if they were raised.

People and their families were involved in planning their care and support, staff knew people’s individual preferences and tailored support to meet their individual needs. People were enabled to make choices about their care and support and encouraged to be as independent as possible. People were offered the opportunity to participate in a range of social activities.

The service had a welcoming and homely atmosphere and staff and managers were passionate about their work. People using the service and staff were involved in giving their views on how the service was run and there were systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service.

We received an action plan from the provider telling us the actions they had undertaken to ensure there were enough staff to meet people's needs.

We visited again on 02 October 2013 to ensure that the increased staffing levels had been implemented and maintained.

We found that the increase in staff numbers meant that people were having their needs met.

You can see our judgements on the front page of this report.

People told us the staff were very good and skilled.

The visitor we spoke with said they had never had to make a complaint about anything and they were very happy with the standard of care their relative received.

People who used the service told us that they were satisfied with the care, treatment and support they received.

Records showed that people received assessment and treatment from NHS health care professionals when required.

People said they were safe in the home and felt the staff would always promote their safety and welfare. However, they added that they did not think there were enough staff.

One person said, 'They're run ragged. Never have a minute.'

People who used the service told us that there were very limited opportunities to partake in social activities within the home and felt their social needs were not being met.

One person said, 'I am very bored. There is nothing to do.'