Archived: Glenesk Care Home

We also spoke with two care workers and a deputy manager. We looked at some of the records held in the service including the care files for three people. We observed the support people who used the service received from staff and carried out a brief tour of the building.

We carried out this inspection to answer five key questions; is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Below is a summary of what we found.

If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

People had been cared for in an environment that was safe, clean and hygienic. There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the people living at the home and those we spoke with told us they felt well supported. The manager or a deputy manager was available on call in case of emergencies.

Staff had received training with regard to safeguarding people and those we spoke with were knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities.

One person we spoke with said, "I always feel safe here. The staff know what they're doing." Another person said, "I've never had to worry about anything."

Is the service effective?

People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home. Care plans we saw confirmed people's preferences, needs, likes and dislikes had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.

People had access to activities that were meaningful and an activities co-ordinator was employed for four hours a day, Monday to Thursday. They told us they did some activities with groups of people and some on a one to one basis.

Is the service caring?

People told us that they were happy with the care that had been delivered and their needs had been met. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of the people's care and support needs and that they knew them well. One person told us, "The staff are lovely. Nothing is too much trouble and they always come quickly when I need anything."

Staff had received a variety of training to enable them to meet the needs of the people living at the home. This included; dementia awareness, safeguarding vulnerable adults and the Mental Capacity Act (2005).

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. One person told us, "Excellent staff. They've all been here for a long time."

Is the service responsive?

Records showed that people received assessment and treatment from NHS health care professionals when required. These records also showed us that the service responded to changes in a person's needs or in the way they wished to be supported. Care plans had been reviewed and any new information had been recorded to reflect changes.

We saw that people who had any concerns or complaints were listened to and the manager took appropriate action to resolve the situation. We also saw that satisfaction survey results were collated and any necessary actions were undertaken in response.

Is the service well led?

Staff we spoke with told us the manager was approachable and responsive to anything they raised with her. They said the training was of a good quality and equipped them to work safely and effectively.

People living at the service told us there was always a deputy manager around and they knew when the manager would be present. They all felt the manager and other staff knew them well and spent time with them.

The provider had effective systems in place to monitor the quality of the service.

People who used the service told us they were satisfied with the care, treatment and support they received. One person told us, "It's very good. The staff are nice and the food is wonderful." Another person said, "I've been alright here for a long time. The food is very good and there is plenty of it"

People who used the service told us that they were encouraged to undertake a range of activities within the home and felt their social needs were being met.

A visitor we spoke with told us, "I haven't eaten here but my relative says they enjoy the food and they are always smiling when I come. I am always made to feel welcome."

We spoke with two care staff and the deputy manager. They had all worked at Glenesk for several years and all said they were happy.