This unannounced inspection took place on the 19 August 2015.
The Yews accommodates and provides care for up to 13 older people, some of whom have dementia care needs. There were 12 people in residence when we inspected.
A registered manager was in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the service is run.
People were cared for by sufficient numbers of care staff that were experienced and had received the training they needed to do their job safely. People were protected by robust recruitment procedures from receiving unsafe care from staff that were unsuited to the job. Care staff knew what was expected of them when caring for older people, including those with dementia care needs, and carried out their duties effectively. People were safeguarded from abuse and poor practice by care staff that knew what action they needed to take if they suspected this was happening.
People’s care needs had been assessed prior to admission and they each had an agreed care plan. Their care plans were regularly reviewed, reflected their individual needs and provided care staff with the information and guidance they needed to provide person centred care.
People were enabled to do things for themselves by friendly care staff that were attentive to each person’s individual needs and understood their capabilities. People’s individual preferences for the way they liked to receive their care and support were respected.
People’s healthcare needs were met and they received timely treatment from other community based healthcare professionals when this was necessary. People’s medicines were appropriately and safely managed. Medicines were securely stored and there were suitable arrangements in place for their timely administration.
People who needed support with eating and drinking received the help they required. People’s individual nutritional needs were assessed, monitored and met with appropriate guidance from healthcare professionals that was acted upon. People had enough to eat and drink.
People, and where appropriate, their representatives or significant others were assured that if they were dissatisfied with the quality of the service they would be listened to and that appropriate remedial action would be taken to try to resolve matters to their satisfaction.
People received care from care staff that were supported and encouraged by the provider and the registered manager to do a good job caring for older people. The quality of the service provided was regularly audited by the registered manager and the provider and improvements made when necessary.