13 November 2013
During a routine inspection
People who used the service were all assessed as having the mental capacity to make decisions in relation to their day to day care. The service understood the need to formally identify when a person's mental capacity required reassessment before decisions were made on their behalf.
People told us that they were happy with the care they received. They told us that they were involved in decisions about their care and were encouraged to make day to day choices. One person told us, 'I chose whether to live in the main part of the building or in one of the independent cottages. I tried out the cottage before deciding it was where I wanted to be."
Staff could describe people's needs and demonstrated a good knowledge of their preferences.
Medicine, including controlled drugs, were stored, administered and recorded appropriately. Senior staff were trained and assessed as competent to manage medication.
A thorough recruitment process was in place including an application form and full interview. Appropriate checks on staff were made to ensure that people's safety was protected. Staff were expected to pass a probationary period prior to their contract of employment being confirmed.
Care records, staff records and those related to the running of the service were appropriately kept and stored.