16 September 2014
During a routine inspection
We used the information to answer the five key questions we always ask;
' 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. The summary describes what we observed, the records we looked at and what people using the service, their relatives and the staff told us.
Is the service safe-
The service was safe.
People living at the home told us they felt safe and would not hesitate to speak to one of the managers if they had any concerns. They said they were confident that if they raised any concerns they would be dealt with appropriately. Staff told us they believed people were safe and received good care. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of how people could be abused and were aware of how to report any concerns they might have about people's safety and wellbeing.
Each person's care file had risk assessments in place which covered areas of potential risk such as mobility, falls, pressure sores and nutrition.
There were appropriate arrangements in place to make sure the home provided a safe and well maintained environment for people who used the service, staff and others.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. Whilst no applications had been submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and how to submit one.
Is the service effective '
The service was effective.
Each person had an individual care plan which set out their care needs. We spoke with three people who told us they were fully involved in planning and reviewing how their care and support needs were met. This was reflected in their care records.
We saw staff received appropriate support by way of a programme of one to one supervision and annual appraisals to enable them to understand and meet the needs of the people who used the service. Staff also confirmed the management of the service was responsive to their training needs as discussed at either supervision or appraisal meetings.
Is the service caring '
The service was caring.
The staff we spoke with demonstrated a good knowledge of people's needs and were able to explain how individuals preferred their care and support to be delivered.
People living in the home told us staff were kind and attentive to their care needs.
During the inspection we observed a lot of positive interactions between staff and people who used the service. Staff demonstrated compassion and warmth towards the people in their care.
Is the service responsive '
The service was responsive.
People's needs were assessed and care and support was planned and delivered in line with their care plan. Care records contained good information about how care and support should be delivered.
Wherever possible people who used the service were involved in discussions about their care and the risk factors associated with this. Individual choices and decisions were documented in the care plans and reviewed on a regular basis.
The input of other health care professionals involved in people's care and treatment was recorded in their care plans. This helped to make sure people received appropriate and safe care and treatment.
There were processes in place for consulting with people who used the service and there was evidence that action was taken in response to people's feedback.
Is the service well led '
The service was well led.
The provider had an effective quality assurance monitoring system in place which they used to monitor and identify shortfalls in the service and any non-compliance with the essential standards of quality and safety.
The provider had a complaints procedure in place and we saw evidence that action was taken in response to people's comments, concerns or complaints.
The staff we spoke with told us they were well supported by the management team and said they were proud to work at Elmleigh Convent.