Archived: Kilkenny Residential Care Home

We saw that staff supported people in a patient and sensitive manner. Their consent had been obtained before any care or treatment had been given. We saw that staff received regular training and were knowledgeable about people's needs, preferences and promoted people's independence.

One person who used the service told us: "The staff are lovely, there's always a choice of what to eat. I like eating in my room, they bring my food to me. "

We saw records of recent staff training which ensured they had the relevant skills required for their role. The staff were able to explain what they would do if they were told about or witnessed abuse.

We saw that there were policies and procedures, records and regular monitoring of systems to ensure the care and welfare of people who used the service were protected because the proprietor had ensured that regular maintaince and repairs were carried out by specialist companies. We saw that all fire equipment had been regularly serviced and maintained. All of the fire exits were free from any obstructions.

Staff described to us how they respected people's dignity and privacy by knocking on their doors, waiting for an answer before they entered and then introduced themselves.

We saw records that evidenced people who lived at the home were involved in reviews of their care and support needs. Some people who lived at the home told us they enjoyed their independence and often went out shopping or travelled into town. We saw evidence from the records we looked at that people received the support they needed to maintain their independence. Regular risk assessments of people's care needs were undertaken where needed.

People who lived at the home told us they felt their needs were addressed by the staff. We looked at staff training records that evidenced staff were trained and well supported by the manager so that they could carry out their caring responsibilities effectively. One person told us, 'The staff know how to look after me.'

We found that the provider had systems in place to monitor and respond to any complaints received by the home