24, 25 and 28 September 2015
During a routine inspection
The Dome Residential Home is a small, family run care home and provides care and support for up to three people with a range of health care needs. The home is situated on the first floor of a larger building owned by the registered provider. The home is on the seafront at Barton on Sea and is opposite local shops and cafes. Each person has their own room which is personalised with their own belongings and furnishings.
The home was not required to have a registered manager as the provider is registered as an individual with the commission and was in day to day charge. The registered provider was fully involved with managing the home and providing care to people on a daily basis. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run. The registered provider was supported to manage the home by two deputy managers.
There were sufficient numbers of staff deployed to ensure the needs of people could be met. Staff recruitment was robust and followed policies and procedures that ensured only those considered suitable to work with people who were at risk were employed.
Staff were appropriately trained and skilled to deliver effective care. They all received a thorough induction when they started work and fully understood their responsibilities to report any concerns of possible abuse. Records showed staff received regular training and were supported with opportunities for on-going personal development and further qualifications.
People were treated with respect and compassion. Observations showed staff knew people very well and considered their emotional wellbeing, choices and wishes and promoted their independence. People were supported and encouraged to take part in activities they had chosen. Records showed people’s hobbies and interests were documented and staff accurately described people’s preferred routines.
Care plans and risk assessments had been reviewed regularly and people’s support was personalised and tailored to their individual needs. Referrals to health care professionals were made quickly when people became unwell and advice was acted upon. Each health care professional we spoke with told us the staff were very responsive to people’s changing health needs.
The registered provider assessed and monitored the quality of care provided by involving people and relatives, although this was not always recorded. Each person and relative we spoke with told us they felt able to voice their opinions about the quality of care provided.
Health and safety checks were completed to ensure the environment was maintained to a safe standard. Some records relating to the management of the service, such as policies, required updating. However, this was already in hand. The registered provider had sought advice and new documentation was ready to be implemented.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. No one at The Dome required a DoLS but the deputy manager understood when an application should be made.