We looked at the cleanliness and infection control precautions of the premises and found that work had been completed and that the premises were safe for people who used the service.
We looked at the records and saw that improvements had been made in recording incidents and taking action to prevent reoccurrence.
We met with the deputy manager for the service as the provider was unavailable due to ill health. We saw there were a minimum of two staff on duty and that people who used the service knew the staff well.
We found that notifications had not been sent to the Commission however this was because the provider who had this responsibility was not available due to ill health. This situation had now been resolved.
We found that people were not always protected from the risk of inappropriate care because records were not completed. We have asked the provider to take appropriate action.
Each person had a plan which described the care and support they required and how staff should provide it. We looked at two care files for people who used the service. We read that people's health care needs were monitored to promote their well being.
We saw the provider monitored staff performance and that opportunities were given to staff for professional development.
We found people were not protected from the risk of infection because appropriate guidance had not been followed. For example, we saw bathroom floors did not have an unbroken washable surface to ensure appropriate cleanliness for the prevention and spread of infection.
We have judged that this had a moderate impact on people who used the service, and have told the provider to take action.
Throughout our visit we found staff interactions with people to be very kind and respectful and it was apparent that staff knew the people they supported very well.
People told us they were able to make choices about all aspects of their daily lives. During our visit we observed that people moved freely around the home and they were able to access their bedrooms when ever they wished. The atmosphere in the home was relaxed and inclusive.
We observed staff assisting one person with personal care needs in a discreet and respectful manner. We also observed staff knock on people's bedroom doors before entering. This showed that people were treated with respect and their right to privacy was upheld.
People who lived in the home told us they felt well cared for and that staff were available when they needed them. When we asked people if staff helped them do the things they needed help with, people said that they did although they told us they did many things for themselves.
People told us they liked living at Hollywell House and that it was their 'home'. Comments included 'I like my home and I like the staff' and 'I go out a lot. I like to go out'.
People who lived at the home told us that they were happy with the staff that supported them. Comments included 'I like the staff and they are all nice to me' and 'I am happy. The staff are kind'.
Staff demonstrated great patience when supporting people and they were skilled in understanding and responding to those who had difficulties in communicating.
We were informed that six of the eight people who lived at the home were 'very independent' and some accessed the local community independently. Support had been provided for those who required it and many people utilised local day centres. Earlier this year staff had supported and enabled people to go on holiday. People spoken with were very keen to tell us how much they had enjoyed this.