Archived: Fairways

' 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?

People told us they felt happy and relaxed living in the home. Relatives told us they felt their relatives were well-protected and safe. One relative told us, 'I have no worries at all about the home.' There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the people living at the home and the manager was available on call in case of emergencies.

Staff personnel records demonstrated that the staff employed to work at the home were suitable and had the skills and experience needed to support the people living in the home.

CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications had needed to be submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place.

People's medicines were safely stored and administered.

Systems were in place for checking safety equipment and systems such as fire alarms and hot water temperatures.

Is the service effective?

Relatives said they felt their relatives needs were met. One relative told us, 'They know X properly and pick up on everything. Nothing escapes them.'

We observed people living in the home were relaxed and confident with their care workers. Staff demonstrated a good knowledge of people's care needs and preferences, and how those needs should be met. Those people able to describe their care told us that they were happy with the care they received and felt they were treated with respect. One person told us, 'I like it here.' Another person said, 'It's a nice place to live.'

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff, who showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. Relationships seemed based on mutual respect and affection. Our observations showed us that people were able to do things at their own pace and were not rushed. One person said, 'I like it here. The staff are nice.' Another person told us, 'We all get on well.' A relative told us, 'The staff are always very caring.'

Is the service responsive?

People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home. People were asked for their views and said they felt listened to. Records confirmed people's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes. One person told us, 'Amanda [the manager] listens to us. We can say if we're not happy.' People had good access to their preferred activities and had been supported to maintain personal relationships with their friends and relatives.

Most professionals told us the service responded well to any issues raised, and took on board any advice given. One professional said, 'There are no concerns from a nursing point of view.' A second professional told us the manager and staff always followed advice given to them.

Is the service well-led?

A relative told us, 'The home is well-managed. The manager is well-organised and keeps us informed.' This person told us they could not think how the home could be improved. Professionals told us people were receiving appropriate and person-centred care. One professional told us, 'The home is in pretty good shape.'

Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and effective quality assurance processes were in place. People who used the service were asked for their views about their care and treatment in regular meetings and their views were acted upon. One person told us she could say anything she liked to the staff and they would always listen to her and try to help her. Staff spoke highly of the manager, and said she always took their views into consideration.

We saw people were safe and protected from abuse. Staff were suitably qualified and experienced to care for people.

There were effective systems in place to monitor the service and to record and monitor complaints. Complaints were taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

The representatives of people who used the service were positive about the care and support provided. Comments included 'They provide good quality care' and 'It is a lovely home'.