Archived: The Bungalow - Lymm

' 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?

Staff had received updated training in safeguarding and felt confident in being able to maintain people's safety and to safeguard people living at the service.

CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications had been submitted, the staff did have a good knowledge base regarding these safeguards. However they did not have access to appropriate policies and procedures in place including guidance on the 'Mental Capacity Act.' These documents are necessary to ensure the protection of vulnerable people who lacked ability to consent on various issues

Is the service effective?

Two relative's told us they were very happy with the care provided We observed the support being provided and it was clear the staff were knowledgeable of people's needs, in particular specialist forms of communication with people living at the service. We observed examples of good communication and patience by staff.

Staff discussed the individual needs of each person they supported including daily choices with social activities and in regard to the facilities to ensure people were comfortable and doing what they wanted to do.

Is the service caring?

Staff were friendly and helpful to the people they were supporting. We observed that people being supported were relaxed and happy in the company of their support staff and that staff fully understood their needs and ways of communicating.

We spoke with two relatives of people living at the service. They made various positive comments such as:

"I feel they are very good"; " My relative is thriving there, I trust them completely" and "We get that lovely feeling when we visit."

Is the service responsive?

Each person living at the service had an individualised support plan in place to help to show how their needs would be met at The Bungalow. These records were detailed and showed that people's choices and needs were being met and were regularly reviewed and updated to meet their needs.

Is the service well-led?

Relatives told us they were always kept informed and updated regarding their relatives support and needs.

The organisation and provider oversight of quality checks at the service were detailed and well managed to show on-going safe monitoring of the service.

Staff had a good understanding of people's care needs. A wide range of activities and outings were evidenced through the home's photograph album including attendance at a music group, trips to Chester Zoo and holidays at Center Parcs.

When we visited the home was clean and tidy and had well organised regimes for cleaning and infection control.

Relatives were happy with the staff and one said "They care about them." The provider had an effective procedure for recruitment and selection of staff and appropriate checks were undertaken prior to staff commencing work.

People's care files were comprehensive and clearly identified people's needs and how they were to be supported. Daily records were updated several times during the day and night.