Background to this inspection
Updated
12 January 2018
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014. This was a comprehensive inspection.
The inspection took place on 14 December 2017 and was announced. We announced the inspection because people living at the service may become anxious by having strangers in their home. This ensured staff could prepare people for our visit.
Due to the small size of the service the inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Prior to this inspection we reviewed all the information we held about the service, including data about safeguarding and statutory notifications. Statutory notifications are information about important events which the provider is required to send us by law.
As part of our inspection we spoke very briefly with one person who lived at the service and carried out some observation of the care and support provided to people living at the service. We also spoke with the registered manager and three staff members. Following the inspection we spoke with two relatives.
We reviewed a range of documents about people’s care and how the home was managed. We looked at two care plans, three staff files, medication administration records, risk assessments, complaints records, policies and procedures and internal audits that had been completed.
Updated
12 January 2018
We carried out this announced inspection to Tall Trees on 14 December 2017. Tall Trees is registered to provide accommodation with personal care for up to three people with physical and learning disabilities. At the time of our visit three people lived at the service.
At out last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.
People were supported by sufficient, skilled staff to meet their needs and robust recruitment processes were in place to ensure only suitable staff were employed. Risks to people had been identified and as such staff took appropriate steps to help mitigate any risk of harm of injury to people. Staff were aware of their responsibilities in safeguarding people from abuse.
Staff received on-going training, induction and supervision to support them in their roles. They were knowledgeable in relation to infection control and what to do in the event of a fire.
People were supported to make their own decisions about their care and encouraged to be independent as much as they could. Where there were restrictions in place staff had followed legal guidance in order to help ensure these were in people’s best interests.
People received support from staff who knew them well and positive relationships had developed. Staff treated people with kindness and were aware of their preferences. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of people’s communication styles and ensured people received care that focused on people’s health and wellbeing. People received the medicines prescribed to them and staff sought advice from health and social care professionals to help ensure people received the most appropriate, effective and responsive care.
People had access to nutritious food of their choosing. People’s care records were person centred and completed in detail. Care plans were regularly reviewed and updated to ensure staff had up to date guidance regarding people’s care. People had access to a range of individual activities in line with their interests.
People lived in an environment that was homely and suitable for their needs. The service was clean and hygienic and people had access to communal areas, a garden and their own bedrooms which were individualised.
Systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service provided and ensure continuous development. People and staff were involved in the running of the home and relatives played an active role. The service had a registered manager, who although also managed another of the provider’s services, demonstrated good management oversight of the service. Staff felt supported by the registered manager as well as the deputy manager.