15 April 2014
During a routine inspection
Is the service safe?
Staff did not have the necessary employment checks to ensure they were suitable to work with vulnerable people. People's care needs were not assessed and risks were not identified. CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted, there were no policies and procedures in place. We found no evidence that relevant staff have been trained to understand when an application should be made and how to submit one. Assessments had not been completed on people's ability to make decisions about their care needs.
People received their medication when they needed it and records were well maintained but not all staff received the training they needed to administer medication safely. Medication was not stored securely to ensure people using the service were safe.
We were told there were no arrangements in place to monitor the quality or safety of the service.
Is the service effective?
Visitors told us they were happy with the care their relative received and that their needs were met by staff. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they understood the needs of people using the service.
Is the service caring?
People using the service were supported by kind and attentive staff. We observed staff showing patience and taking time to talk to people when they provided support.
Is the service responsive?
People did not have their needs assessed before moving to the service. Support plans were not in place to show how people wanted to receive their support. However a visitor told us. "The staff do care about their needs. I was able to arrange visits before they moved to the service and I have spoken with staff about how to meet their needs."
Is the service well-led?
Staff did not know who was in charge of the home on a day to day basis as there is currently a dispute over the registration. Staff told us they do not have clear lines of management and do not know who to speak to if there is a problem.
At the time of our inspection the regulated activity applied to only one person. Other people were living at the same address but we were told that they were not receiving this type of care. All people have now, since our inspection, moved to alternative accommodation and there is no one resident at Isobel House.