Archived: Avarest Care Home

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?

Avarest Care Home was safe, clean and hygienic. All equipment and appliances were checked and maintained on a regular basis which meant people using services were kept safe at all times.

The recruitment policy was thorough and included completing all the required safety checks on all new staff members before anyone started work at the care home. Staff rotas were organised in advance so all staff were aware of their shifts for the coming month. Any necessary changes were implemented without impacting on the people using services.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) become important when a person is judged to lack the capacity to make an informed decision related to their care and treatment. The provider told us no applications for DoLS had been made but knew the procedure to be followed if an application needed to be made.

Is the service effective?

All people using services at the care home had undergone a pre-admission assessment of their needs. They, and their families were involved in writing their care plans. This helped ensure their wishes were recorded and their needs were met by staff who had the required skills and knowledge to help meet those needs.

Several people at the care home had limited mobility which was identified at the time of the assessment. The provider had arranged for any mobility equipment that was suitable for their needs to be available. This allowed people to move around the care home freely and in a safe manner.

Is the service caring?

During our inspection, we saw staff members who cared for, and supported people in a patient, unhurried manner. Encouragement was provided at all times, but whenever necessary, support was provided when staff thought it was necessary.

People`s culture and diversity was respected in line with their wishes. Those people who had asked to attend a church service were supported to do so. On occasions, members of the clergy attended the care home to visit people who had asked to see them. This meant people`s preferences and diverse needs were recognised and attended to according to their wishes.

Is the service responsive?

The provider supported people to take part in activities within the local and surrounding areas. An activities co-ordinator was employed at the care home which helped ensure people were involved in activities of their choice both around the care home and within the community.

All accidents and incidents were recorded within the person`s individual care plan. People we spoke to, including several family members, were aware of the complaints process. One visitor told us, "If I had a problem I would talk to one of the staff - but to be honest I have never had the need to." People were assured that any complaints or concerns would be listened to and addressed appropriately.

Is the service well-led?

We saw evidence of a multi-agency approach to providing care. All professional visits, for example those of doctors and community nurses were recorded within care plans. On the day of our inspection, a doctor had visited at short notice following a request from the provider.

The provider had adequate and effective quality assurance procedures in place which meant the service being provided was continually improving. Any areas that were identified as needing attention during various audits were addressed promptly.

All staff we spoke to had received the required training which provided them with the knowledge to care and support all people using services. People using services were happy with the support they received. One told us, "You could not get better care anywhere."

When we reviewed records kept in respect of people's care, we found people had access to clinicians in the community and were supported with visits from GP's, opticians, district nurses and other health professionals. Records of people's consent to any care and treatment were up to date and we saw evidence of family involvement in the planning of care and support, where appropriate. People's views on things such as meals prepared and menus planned were listened to and acted upon. We saw that fresh foods were sourced from local suppliers and meals were balanced, nutritious and well presented. At the time of our inspection staff were on hand to assist people with their meals and enough time was given for people to eat their meal at a relaxed pace.

The upkeep and maintenance of the home was apparent from visual inspection, review of records, and checks made with other regulators, for example Environmental Health. The home was well furnished, carpeted and decorated. People who lived there spoke of how homely it felt. When we spoke with staff, we found they were happy and committed in their work. This finding was supported by the very low staff turnover, minimal rates of absenteeism and comments of relatives. One relative told us "The standard of care here is excellent."