Archived: Manor Road Residential Home

We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask;

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service well led?

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

We did not inspect the premises at this inspection but we saw the manager had employed a new handyman who had introduced regular health and safety checks of the building and facilities. CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications have been submitted, initial procedures were in place. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made and how to submit one.

Is the service effective?

People told us they were happy with the care that had been delivered. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of people's care and support needs and that they knew them well. One person told us, "This is a lovely place, it's (the care) marvellous." A visitor said the following about her friend's admission, "They have been really good at settling her in and she has everything she needs, it has not been easy as it was quite a disruption for her." Staff had received training to meet the needs of the people living at the home.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by attentive staff who showed kindness and patience when supporting people. People told us they could do things as they wished and spend time where they wanted to and our observations confirmed this.

Is the service responsive?

People's needs had been assessed and they told us that their wishes were being taken into account. We saw the manager was about to introduce a new care pathway document along with guidance for staff in how to use it. We saw this was a more person focused document than the care records in current use. Meetings had taken place with people and surveys had been sent to their representatives to gather their views. The manager had distributed the complaints procedure around the home.

Is the service well led?

Staff told us they felt supported through regular meetings and that the manager was very approachable and they felt listened to. New quality assurance systems were in place and we were told others were about to be introduced. We have made a note to the provider about a lack of clarity regarding a lead role for infection control.

We found people's care needs had not always been appropriately risk assessed. Risk assessments were not all up to date which meant staff were unclear how to assist people in ways that kept them safe. Care plans were not evaluated to ensure they were appropriate and up to date.

We found that equipment used for assisting people with moving and transferring was available and had been appropriately maintained.

We found staff had not been fully supported to deliver care safely and to an appropriate standard.

We found records were kept securely but were not all suitably maintained to ensure people were protected from inappropriate care and treatment.

We found that before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes. One relative said, "We are kept well informed and involved."

We found people were happy with the care they received and care was planned and delivered in line people's individual care plans. One person said, "The staff here are very good, no complaints." A relative told us, "Mum is very settled here. She came from another home and we were a bit anxious but she has settled very well indeed."

We found the provider had systems in place to protect people from the risks associated with the unsafe use and management of medicines.

We found appropriate checks were undertaken before staff began work.

We found that people's care records and other records related to staff were not appropriately and fully maintained. This meant that the safety of people may not be consistently protected.

We did not seek the views of people at this follow up inspection.

We found that the previous compliance actions had been met. People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard and up to date training had been provided.The provider had an effective system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people who used the service and others. We found records of quality assurance and care and treatment were up to date and accurate therefore people were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment.