Archived: The Old Vicarage At Airmyn Residential Home

If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

One of the relatives we spoke with said "The service ring us if Mum is unwell. I have peace of mind that she is safe."

People's needs were assessed which helped to ensure that the home was able to meet their needs. We saw care plans and risk assessments were in place to help ensure people's safety and welfare. Information was reviewed regularly to ensure that it was up to date and reflected any changes. People told us that they were consulted about their care. Comments included 'My support plan is discussed. On the whole staff do their best."

The home had systems in place to make sure that managers and staff learnt from events such as accidents, incidents, complaints, concerns and whistleblowing. This helped to reduce the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.

Records were in place detailing how people should be cared for. Records were stored securely so that the information remained confidential and accessible only to those who needed it.

Is the service effective?

The home had appropriate arrangements in place for gaining people's consent. People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in decisions regarding their plans of care. This meant that staff were able to deliver care in a way that supported people.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. A relative commented 'The care is fantastic. My relative couldn't be better looked after. The carers really do care. It is home from home."

People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support was being provided in accordance with people's wishes.

Is the service responsive?

People received care and support that was in line with their preferences and interests. People were encouraged and supported to maintain friendships with families and friends.

Is the service well-led?

People and relatives told us that they had the opportunity to raise issues and that these were responded to. One relative said "The manager reviews the care package every six months. We attend these meetings."

We found people were being looked after by friendly, supportive staff within a warm and homely environment. Care was personalised and reflected people's choices and decisions. Care records were up to date.

People received their medicines on time and when they needed them. We saw there were safe and effective working practices used within the service.

The service had a core of permanent staff who had worked at the home for many years. These experienced staff knew the needs of people who used the service and were employed in sufficient numbers to be able to meet people's needs. People said 'There is a lovely bunch of girls working here, they are friendly, kind and never keep you waiting when you need them.'

The provider had an effective quality assurance system in place and people's views and opinions of the service were listened to and acted on where necessary.

Records about people who used the service enabled staff to plan appropriate care, treatment and support. The information needed for this was systematically recorded and kept behind locked doors to keep it safe and confidential.