All inspections: Westholme - Care Quality Commission

We observed staff providing care and support to people throughout the inspection. There was a calm, friendly atmosphere around the home and people were seen to respond positively to the staff throughout.

During our visit we found peoples' care and welfare needs were met in a way which ensured their safety. People told us 'I like it here,' 'I can get up what time I like at the weekend when I'm not at work' and 'I am happy here.'

We saw appropriate arrangements were in place to protect people from the risk of harm or abuse.

We found there were enough staff to meet the care and welfare needs of people.

We also found the provider had taken steps to listen to and act upon peoples complaints. One person told us 'I would tell them if I wasn't happy'.

We found the provider had taken steps to improve the environment. We saw the carpets in the corridor and lounge had been replaced as had the flooring in the kitchen. We saw records to show the kitchen ceiling was to be replaced. The manager also told us new doors were soon to be fitted throughout the home. We spoke with two people who used the service. They said they liked the improvements.

People told us they were well looked after at Westholme. Two people described to us how they had chosen this particular home to live in. People told us the staff helped them to understand about any treatment or support they had agreed to, for example, giving blood or having an annual flu vaccination. They also told us they were asked for their views and opinions about the service.

There was lots for people to do. For example, going to college and day services as well as the local club and football matches.

We saw people were supported to take risks in order to lead an independent lifestyle. For example, where able, people were supported to travel independently.

Everyone told us they would talk to the manager or staff if they had any concerns or complaints.

We watched how the staff supported the people in their care. We saw people were treated with dignity and respect. We saw people responded positively to the staff.

We saw through staff training and meetings the staff were supported to carry out their jobs well.

Comments from people included

'Tracey (the manager) has always been there for me,'

'John (a member of staff) sorts everything for me,'

'I'm happy here' and

'I like my bedroom.'

We looked around the home and found this was not well maintained. For example, the corridor carpets were very thin and raised in places. Some of the ceiling tiles were also discoloured and cracked.

People told us how they were supported by staff to keep their independence. One person told us how they looked after their own medicines. They also told us how they helped around the home and that everybody took turns with cleaning and washing up. One person told us about the activities they enjoyed, including attending art and woodwork sessions. People said they liked the staff and that they felt safe living in the home. They told us if they were not happy they would feel confident about making a complaint. People said that Colin (the owner) came to visit them and that they had residents meetings where they talked about things like the menus.

Archived: Westholme

All Inspections

24 July 2013

During a routine inspection

29 May 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

25 October 2012

During a routine inspection

22 December 2011

During a routine inspection