Prior to our visit we had concerns raised with us from a number of sources. We used the information we had been provided with to determine what areas we would look at when we visited the home.Concerns were raised with us about the lack of a registered manager, staffing arrangements and a lack of leadership for the staff team. Also concerns regarding the quality of meals provided for people living in the home, and how people's care needs were being met.
On the first day of our visit we met and spoke with people living in the home. Some people had lived in the home for a number of years and therefore were settled. People told us 'every day is the same but I do not have the energy to do much more', 'it is very quiet at times' and 'we don't do anything, we sit here day after day'. One visitor told us that they always took their relative out in the wheelchair 'for a walk along the sea front' when they visited and 'the relative always commented that it was nice to get out and about'. People told us that the staff always knocked on their door before entering their room and we observed this in practice. They told us the staff 'were kind and friendly' and 'always worked hard to do their best'.
We asked people what activities they took part in. They told us that 'not much happens: we just sit here and watch TV'. Others said that one member of staff did play bingo at the weekend and, 'we used to have the music man but not anymore', 'we could do with more entertainment'.
We spoke with staff about activities; they told us 'there are not enough staff to take people out' and 'there have been no trips for a while'. One staff member felt that the people living in the home were not enthusiastic about doing any activities, but also said that there was a lack of time for staff to do any activities.
One visitor told us 'I am very pleased with the way my relative is cared for. I visit every day to help with meals and the staff keep me informed about things that happen'.
People told us about the food provided. They told us that they occasionally got a choice of meal and that staff would offer something else if they asked. People made the following comments to us 'the food is reasonable', 'some of the food is ok' and 'the puddings are nice'. Staff told us they had raised concerns about the quality of 'value' foods that were purchased.
We have significant concerns in a number of areas and have asked the provider to make improvements. We found that people may not always be treated in a respectful manner, there is little meaningful activity that people can participate in, and their care needs may not be met appropriately. We have asked the provider to make urgent improvements in the way that medicines are managed, and the staffing arrangements.