27 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?
This is a summary of what we found-
Is the service safe?
We found that the people who lived in the home were cared for in a clean, safe environment.
People told us that they felt they were well looked after and relatives were also pleased with the standard of care. There were safeguarding procedures in place and a programme to ensure all staff had received safeguarding training.
The people living at the home had a comprehensive care plan with risk assessments in place for people with particular needs. Staff understood where these were stored what their purpose was.
There was a staffing rota in place and everyone we spoke to including staff, visitors and people living in the home all felt there was enough staff on duty at any time. All staff felt they received plenty of training and felt competent to do their job.
Through audit and reviewing of complaints, incidents, and resident and relative engagement this meant the provider is able to regularly monitor and assess the quality of the service provided.
Is the service effective?
Everyone living at the home had a care plan identifying individual's needs. Training such as six steps for end of life care had been undertaken by staff to enable them to deliver care effectively.
The care plans included the person living at the home and/or their relative. The care was reviewed regularly.
People told us that they like living at the home. One said 'I like living here, they make you feel comfortable and will do anything for you.' and another said 'I am happy here, we do lots of things we are not just sat here, especially in the afternoons.' One relative told us 'I would recommend this home to people, and I do.'
Is the service caring?
Everybody we spoke to thought the staff were kind and caring. We observed staff caring for people and they were polite and unhurried. One person told us 'When I use my bell at the side of my bed they answer quite quickly.' Another told us 'We have plenty going on, we have parties at Christmas and birthdays and we have coffee mornings to raise money or for special occasions.'
The management undertake a satisfaction survey including staff, relatives and people living at the home. The results we reviewed were very positive.
Is the service responsive?
People's needs had been assessed before they moved to the home. People's records identified personal preferences and choices and the support that needed to be provided. The home worked with other services to ensure all care needs were met for the person such as a general practitioner or podiatrist.
People who lived at the home, and relatives that we spoke to all felt that they could approach staff and the manager about anything and that they would be listened to and acted upon. Staff felt the manager was very supportive of both work and personal circumstances.
Is the service well-led?
The service had a quality assurance system in place. Staff had a good understanding of the philosophy of the home particularly with end of life care. Staff had induction and appropriate checks in place. Staff felt listened to and supported by the manager.