8 May 2014
During a routine inspection
' Is the service safe?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service caring?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service well-led?
Due to the different ways that the people living at Beechlands communicated we were not able to directly ask them their views of the support they received. However during our visit we met with people living there and we spent time observing the support they received from staff. We also spoke to a visiting healthcare professional to obtain their views of the service.
We considered our inspection findings to answer 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?
Systems were in place to assess any risks identified when planning people's care and support. Staff had received training in health and safety, safeguarding adults and medical and non-medical emergency procedures. They were confident about dealing with emergencies such as a fire and if a person collapsed or suddenly became ill. Staff knew where first aid equipment was located at the home and they had access to information and guidance about managing incidents such as an allegation of abuse.
Is the service effective?
People had a care plan for their assessed needs however they had not always been regularly reviewed with the involvement of the person's representative/s. Staff spent time with people who were anxious and appropriately supported them with positive outcomes for the person.
Is the service caring?
People were cared for by staff who were polite and kind. Staff took time to sit and talk with people and they responded quickly to people's requests for assistance.
Is the service responsive?
Staff were knowledgeable about people's needs and they provided people with the right care and support. Staff took appropriate action when they noted a change in a person's health or wellbeing. Staff had received training in a range of topics however they had not received up to date training in dementia care which is relevant to the work they carry out.
Is the service well-led?
The home had a registered manager and a deputy manager. Staff told us they felt supported by the managers and they were approachable. Regular staff meetings which had taken place provided staff with an opportunity to discuss matters as a team. However staff had not received a one to one supervision with their manager which meant they had not had the opportunity to discuss any personal matters such as progress, training and development needs. There were systems in place for checking the quality of the service although checks had not always been carried out in accordance to the homes procedures.