Updated 23 December 2016

The inspection took place on 13 October 2016 and was unannounced. This was a comprehensive inspection.

Ridgeway Manor Residential Care Home is a residential home providing support to older people, some of whom are living with dementia. The home is registered to provide care for up to 43 people. At the time of our inspection there were 26 people living at the home.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

There were sufficient staff present to safely meet people’s needs. Staff had undergone checks to ensure that they were of good character to be working with people. Staff had appropriate training and support to meet the needs of people living at the home.

People’s legal rights were protected as staff provided care in line with the Mental Capacity Act (2005). Correct procedures were followed when depriving people of their liberty.

People’s medicines were stored and administered safely and staff worked alongside healthcare professionals to ensure that people’s health needs were met. Staff responded quickly to changes in people’s healthcare needs.

Accidents and incidents were recorded and measures were taken to prevent a reoccurence. Staff routinely carried out risk assessments and created plans to minimise known hazards whilst encouraging people’s independence. Staff understood their responsibilities in safeguarding people and knew what to do if they suspected abuse had occurred.

Systems were in place to keep people safe in the event of an emergency. A contingency plan was in place to ensure people’s care could continue in the event of evacuation.

People told us that they enjoyed the food and we saw evidence of people being provided with choice and also being consulted on food during meetings and reviews.

People lived in an inclusive atmosphere in which they had access to a range of meaningful activities and were involved in making decisions about their home. Staff provided care in a way that was personalised and caring.

Staff felt well supported by the registered manager and had input into how the home was run. Systems were in place to ensure care at the home was of a good quality. People’s feedback was regularly sought and complaints were responded to appropriately.

Updated 23 December 2016

The service was safe.

There were sufficient staff deployed to meet people’s needs.

Staff followed safe medicines management procedures.

Risks to people’s safety were known to staff and had been assessed and recorded.

The provider carried out appropriate recruitment checks when employing new staff.

Staff were trained in safeguarding adults and knew how to report any concerns.

Measures were in place to keep people safe in the event of emergencies and there was a contingency plan in place.

Updated 23 December 2016

The service was effective.

People were supported by staff who were appropriately trained and knowledgeable about their needs.

Staff knew people’s food preferences and people were offered choices appropriate to their dietary requirements.

Staff understood the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and people were supported in line with its guidance. Where applicable, applications had been made to deprive people of their liberty.

People had good access to healthcare professionals and staff worked alongside them to meet people’s health needs effectively.

Updated 23 December 2016

The service was caring.

People were supported by staff who knew them well and got along with them.

There was an inclusive atmosphere at the home and people were involved in decisions about the home.

Staff provided care in a way that promoted their privacy and dignity.

Updated 23 December 2016

People had access to a wide range of activities. People were involved in choosing what they wished to do.

Assessments and care plans were person centred and reflected people’s needs.

Systems were in place to ensure people received regular reviews and staff could identify where people’s needs had changed.

Complaints were responded to by the provider.

Updated 23 December 2016

The service was well-led.

The registered manager created an open culture in which staff could be included in decisions about the home.

People’s feedback was gathered and people were involved in important choices about their home.

Robust quality assurance measures were in place.