Archived: Merrymeet Residential Care Home

We asked the following five questions.

Is the service safe?

Both the people who lived at Merrymeet and their relatives were pleased with the care provided and felt their views were respected and listened to. There were enough staff to meet the needs of the people living in the home and a member of the management team was available on call in case of emergencies. One person said: "If I've any appointments to go to someone comes with me."

Staff personnel records contained all of the information required by the Health and Social Care Act. This meant the provider could demonstrate staff employed to work at the home were suitable and had the skills and experience needed to support the people living in the home.

The registered manager and the staff we spoke with understood the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults. Staff could identify potential abuse and knew how to report any incidents of abuse. One relative of a person who lived at Merrymeet said: 'I know she's safe.'

Is the service effective?

People told us they were happy with the care they received and their care records were up to date and signed by them where appropriate. One relative said: "If there is anything new they discuss it with me.' Another relative said: "She's looked after very well." Care records confirmed people's preferences and needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes. One relative said: "I think it's brilliant. I wasn't expecting it to be so good."

We heard from staff information was shared effectively. Several ways of sharing information were used included staff meetings several times each week, handovers, the concerns and complaints book, daily records, the notice board and monthly reviews.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw care workers showed empathy and encouragement when supporting people. One relative said: "They care for her. I wouldn't like her to go anywhere else." One person who lived in the home said: "It's like your own home. Really comfortable."

Is the service responsive?

People's needs had been assessed before they were admitted to the home. Their needs for support and treatment were carefully described so care workers knew exactly how to support them. Any changes in people's care needs were noted by the senior carer and they briefed care staff. One relative we spoke with said: "They sorted his medicine out." Another person said: 'If there are any hiccups they resolve them.' A person who lived in the home said: "They have got the patience for people."

Is the service well-led?

Staff had a good understanding of the culture of the home and quality assurance processes were in place. We saw the results of customer satisfaction surveys completed in July 2014 and we spoke with relatives who had contributed to these. An informal meeting for people who lived at Merrymeet was held every three months to seek suggestions for any improvements required.

Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities and were well supported. One said: "If I have a problem I can tell any one of them (the management team).It's a family run business and everyone talks to everyone." A relative described the registered manager as: 'Friendly, efficient and helpful.'

We found that people who use the service received care in a way that met their needs and preferences. People's health, safety and welfare was protected because the provider worked in co-operation with other health professionals.

The people we spoke with told us the staff were friendly and helpful. They told us they felt safe around the staff and they were confident the registered manager would address any concerns they had.

People were cared for by staff that had been through the appropriate recruitment checks. People's care records contained enough information to show how they were to be supported and cared for.

People's care records contained enough information to show how they were to be supported and cared for. People told us they were well looked after and that they felt safe.

The medication system was safe and people told us they received their medicines when they needed them.

Enough suitably skilled staff were on duty to meet people's needs. One person using the service told us, 'They are all very nice, they are all very good'.

An effective complaints procedure was in place and people knew how to make a complaint.