The inspection took place on 24 and 25 February and was unannounced. Chatsworth Residential Home provides care and accommodation for up to 26 older people some whom are living with dementia or have a physical disability. On the day of the inspection 25 people resided at the service with one person currently in hospital.
The service had a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
During our inspection we observed people looked relaxed with the staff and there was a friendly and calm atmosphere. People and staff chatted and enjoyed each other’s company. Comments included; “I wouldn’t be anywhere else!” People, who were able to, told us they were happy living there.
People had their privacy and dignity maintained. We observed staff supporting people and being kind and compassionate. People told us staff were kind and caring. People’s privacy and dignity were respected by staff who provided individual and personalised care.
People and their relatives were happy with the care they received from staff and said they were knowledgeable and able to meet their needs. People were encouraged and supported to make decisions and choices whenever possible in their day to day lives.
People were protected by safe recruitment procedures. There were sufficient staff employed to meet people’s needs and new staff completed an induction programme. Staff had undertaken appropriate training and had the right skills to meet people’s needs.
People had access to healthcare professionals, for example GP’s and district nurses, to ensure they received appropriate care and treatment to meet their health care needs. Staff responded to information given to them by professionals to ensure people received the care they needed to remain well.
People who did not have capacity to make decisions for themselves were supported by staff to make sure their legal rights were protected and worked with others in their best interest. People’s safety and liberty were promoted.
People’s medicines were managed safely. Medicines were managed, stored, given to people as prescribed and disposed of safely. Staff received appropriate training and understood the importance of safe administration and management of medicines.
People were better protected from harm as staff had safeguarding of vulnerable adults training and had the knowledge on how to report any concerns and what action they would take to protect people. Staff were confident any incidents or allegations would be fully investigated.
Staff received a comprehensive induction programme. Staff had completed appropriate training and had the right skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs.
People were supported to maintain a healthy balanced diet. People told us they enjoyed their meals and did not feel rushed. People had opportunities to take part in a variety of activities.
People’s care records contained detailed information about how people wished to be supported. Records were regularly updated to reflect people’s changing needs. People and their families were involved in the planning of their care.
Staff said they were happy working at the service and told us the manager was supportive, kept them informed, listened to them and acted on any concerns raised.
There were quality assurance systems in place. Feedback to assess the quality of the service provided was sought from people and their relatives. Audits were carried out to help ensure people were safe, for example environmental audits were completed.