23 June 2014
During a routine inspection
As part of this inspection we spoke with six people who used the service, one relative, the registered manager, the deputy manager and four care staff. We looked at records relating to the management of the home which included three people's care records, three care staff files and medication records.
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service, their relatives and the staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at.
Is the service safe?
People told us they felt safe. One person told us, 'I am looked after very well.' People were treated with dignity and respect and felt involved in decisions about their care.
Staff records showed us that people were supported by suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff. Staff recruitment files contained all information required by the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and showed us that the provider had an effective recruitment and selection process in place.
People's medicines were stored and administered safely. Staff responsible for the administration of medicine had been appropriately trained to ensure people were protected from risks associated with medicines.
The provider understood their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The manager was aware of the recent Supreme Court judgement in relation to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and would take appropriate action if a person required a DoLS.
Is the service effective?
People told us they were happy with the care they received and felt their needs had been met. We saw that staff knew people well and understood their needs. One person told us, 'They are very helpful. Staff treat you well.' Care plans contained detailed information about the person's needs and how these should be met.
People were supported to maintain and improve their independence. The relative of one person told us that their relative was able to do far more for themselves now than when they moved into the home. They also told us this was due to the understanding and support of all the staff and the manager.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by caring and attentive staff. We saw care workers encouraging people with patience and understanding. People were not rushed and were able to do things at their own pace.
People were involved in decisions about their care. We saw staff offering people choice in relation to how they would like to spend their day and what they would like to eat. People told us their choices were respected. People took part in meaningful activities. We saw people being supported to take part in an art class and walking in the garden.
Is the service responsive?
The service was responsive to people's needs. People's needs were assessed before they moved into the home. People's care plans reflected their needs and preferences.
Where changes in people's needs were identified appropriate support from health professionals was sought and changes to care needs met. For example, support from a physiotherapist had been accessed for a person whose mobility was causing some concern. As a result staff were supporting the person to complete exercises twice daily to improve their strength.
Is the service well-led?
The service was well-led. People told us the manager was very approachable and they could speak with them at any time. An annual customer survey was sent out by the provider to gain feedback from people about the service. The feedback from the survey was complimentary about the service.
People were complimentary about the service and the manager. People told us that they would feel comfortable to raise concerns with the manager but had not had any reason to do so. The complaints and comments record contained no complaints since our last inspection. There were several messages of thanks from relatives.