We carried out this inspection on 10 February 2015 and this was an unannounced inspection. During a previous inspection of this service on 26 January 2014 we had identified concerns that people were not consistently involved in how their care was planned or provided. During this inspection we found the provider had made the appropriate improvements.
Arrigadeen Nursing Home provides personal and nursing care for a maximum of 29 people. At the time of the inspection there were 18 people living in the home. In addition to the nursing home, Arrigadeen Nursing Home is also registered to provide care to people in their own homes. At the time of our inspection the service was providing personal care to 9 people in the local community.
A registered manager was in post at the time of inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. 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 provider had failed to notify the Commission, as required, of a serious injury sustained by a person who used the service.
People told us they felt safe and the provider had appropriate arrangements to identify and respond to allegations of abuse. Staff knew how they would report any safeguarding concerns internally or externally if they had any concerns over people’s welfare. A whistle-blowing policy was in place which provided information for staff to follow should they need to raise any concerns externally.
People told us their needs were met promptly and staff confirmed there were sufficient numbers of staff to enable them to perform their roles effectively. People told us they had no concerns with the numbers of staff on duty and that their call bells were answered promptly. Staffing levels set by the registered manager had been achieved to meet people’s needs. The registered manager adjusted staffing levels to meet people’s needs when required. Safe recruitment procedures were undertaken when staff were employed at the home.
People told us they received their medicines on time. The service had suitable arrangements in place for the ordering, storage, administration and disposal of medicines. Medicines were stored appropriately and records had been completed accurately. The provider had an auditing system to monitor people’s medicines.
People gave positive feedback about the staff at the home. They told us they were very happy with the standard of care they received. Staff said they felt had the knowledge and skills they needed to carry out their role effectively. Staff were provided with regular training and regular staff appraisal and supervision was undertaken to monitor performance.
The registered manager was aware of their responsibilities in regard to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and the service were currently completing applications where a need had been identified. These safeguards aim to protect people living in care homes and hospitals from being inappropriately deprived of their liberty. These safeguards can only be used when a person lacks the mental capacity to make certain decisions and there is no other way of supporting the person safely.
People were provided with sufficient food and drink and positive feedback was received on the standard of food provided. People who were assessed as needing support to ensure they maintained a good intake of food and drink received the support they required. Arrangements were made for people to see their GP and other healthcare professionals when required.
Staff had developed caring relationships with people at the home and we observed friendly and positive interactions throughout our inspection. People and their relatives spoke highly of the staff at the home. Where possible, people were involved in making decisions about their care and treatment. People told us they felt their privacy and dignity was maintained and respected by staff.
People received personalised care that met their individual needs. We made observations throughout our inspection that people received care in line with their assessed needs. The provider had a complaints procedure and people felt confident they could complain should the need arise.
The registered manager was well respected was spoken of positively by staff and the people at the home. Staff felt they were able to raise suggestions or concerns and contribute to the way in which the home was run. The provider had systems to monitor people’s health and welfare and the quality of service provision and care was monitored.