Archived: Abbeyfield House - Alnwick

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service well-led?

Below is a summary of what we found.

Is the service safe?

We found the premises were designed to provide a safe environment and arrangements were in place to ensure the home and gardens were maintained to protect people from the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises.

We saw risk assessments had been completed for people who were assessed as being at risk of falls.

We noted that people's records were accurate and had been updated to reflect any changes in their care.

We found the home was clean and people were protected by the systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. We advised the provider that the sluice disinfector was leaking and was a potential risk.

We saw staff were provided with appropriate training to equip them with the skills to meet people's needs.

The Care Quality Commission monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. We saw policies and procedures were in place and the manager and staff had received training in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and DoLS.

Is the service effective?

There were systems in place to ensure people's health and care needs were assessed with them. We found they were involved in this process. We saw that specific care plans were in place for people with particular needs such as, dementia care, lack of mobility or tissue viability.

Staff training was provided that took account of the needs of the people in the home. For example, we saw training in dementia and administration of medicines had been provided.

People were supported to be able to eat and drink sufficient amounts to meet their needs and records were kept as necessary. The menus provided a varied selection of food and people were afforded choice about their meals.

Is the service caring?

We saw staff responded promptly and respectfully to requests from people. Care workers were patient, kind and encouraging to people as they assisted them. One person said, 'I couldn't criticise them in any way. They know just what I need and I am quite happy living here.' Another person said, 'There are some wonderful staff here who work really hard.'

People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs were recorded and we saw staff were aware these during the inspection.

Is the service responsive?

We saw evidence that the care staff identified changes in people's needs and acted to make sure they received the care they needed. For example, there was evidence that loss of weight was communicated to the cook quickly so that they were able to ensure people received a fortified diet.

People told us they were aware of the complaints procedure and staff could describe how they would assist a person to make a complaint. We saw there were systems in place for dealing with and recording complaints.

Is the service well led?

There is a manager in post who is registered with the Care Quality Commission.

The staff we spoke to were all aware of the complaints, safeguarding and whistle blowing procedures. All of the staff said they would immediately report any concerns they had about poor practice and were confident these would be addressed.

The service had a quality assurance system in place that included the use of surveys to people who used the service. This meant people were able to feed back on their experience and the service was able to learn from this.

The provider had systems in place that effectively identified, assessed and managed risks to the health, safety and welfare of people using the service and others. We advised the provider that not all audits and checks were overseen by the manager. This meant there was a risk that any concerns or trends may not be acted upon in a timely manner.

Staff had regular supervision, appraisals and staff meetings which meant they were able to feedback to the management of the home their views and suggestions. Staff we spoke with confirmed their views were listened and account was taken of them. They said they felt well supported by the management of the home.

We looked at five care records and the majority contained detailed information and were up to date. However we found two people's care records did not contain up to date information about their care needs.

We found people's needs were assessed when they came to live at the home. We noted care records and risk assessments did not always accurately reflect people's current needs so we could not be sure people received the care and treatment they needed. One person told us, 'I feel staff know my needs and I get the help and support I need.' Another person said, 'The staff do jolly well, but in the mornings they are very busy.' A relative told us, 'I am happy with the care my relative receives.'

People told us the food was usually good and they enjoyed their meals. One person said, 'I really enjoy the home baking as it is very good.' We found care plans were not always in place where there were identified risks and changes in need to ensure people were protected from the risk of inadequate nutrition or hydration.

The home was clean and staff had received training in infection control. People told us the home was always clean.

At the time of this visit there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff available to meet people's needs. We saw staff responded promptly to requests for assistance.

We saw relationships between staff and people were good and there was a relaxed atmosphere. People told us staff asked them for their consent before they provided their care.

People's needs were assessed and care and treatment delivered in line with their individual care plan.

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection.

Appropriate checks were carried out before staff started work.

People who used the service, their representatives and staff were asked about their views about the care and support provided and these were acted upon.

People were made aware of the complaints system. Their comments and complaints were listened to and acted upon.