A single inspector carried out this inspection and spoke with 14 people who used the service, one visitor, the registered manager and three care assistants. The focus of the inspection was to answer five key questions; is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?
Below is a summary of what we found which describes what we observed, what the staff told us, and the records we looked at.
If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
People were cared for in an environment that was safe, clean and hygienic. There were enough staff on duty to meet people's needs. Care planning was comprehensive and reflected the individual needs of people. There was evidence of care plans being amended to reflect the changing needs of people.
People told us "I feel very safe here" and "I feel perfectly safe".
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications had needed to be submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place. The registered manager understood when an application should be made, and how to submit one.
Is the service effective?
People told us "the care staff are excellent" and "this is the next best place to home". It was clear from what we saw and from speaking with staff that they understood people's care and support needs and that they knew them well. One person told us "I'm very impressed with the access to doctors; you know the staff will get help and advice from them when needed".
Staff had received training in order to carry out their roles effectively.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that care workers were patient and gave encouragement when supporting people. People told us "the care staff are excellent" and "this is the next best place to home". One relative told us "the first time I came here I was very impressed. The staff are very caring and always smiling".
The atmosphere was calm and unhurried. One member of staff told us "if someone wants to chat I spend time with them; it's good that we get time to talk to people".
Is the service responsive?
People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home. Records confirmed people's preferences, interests, and diverse needs had been documented and care and support had been provided that met their wishes. People had access to activities that were important to them. Where possible, people were able to be as independent as possible.
People told us "there is lots of activities but if you don't want to get involved you don't have to" and "it's like a small hotel".
Is the service well-led?
Staff told us they felt well supported by the registered manager. Quality assurance processes were in place to regularly monitor the service. People told us they were asked for their feedback on the service they received and that they had also filled in a customer satisfaction survey. They confirmed they had been listened to and as a result of the survey changes to the menu had been made. Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities.
One relative told us "the staff are very professional; the manager leads by example".