Archived: Royal Mencap Society - 15-16 Carlton Close

Prior to our visit we reviewed all the information we had received from the provider, including an action plan detailing how they would comply with the compliance action we set at the previous inspection.

At this inspection the registered manager was not present but we spoke with them following our inspection. During our visit we spoke with two senior support workers, one in person and one on the telephone. We also spoke with a support worker. We looked at the support files of two people who used the service and the staff rota records held in the service.

We found the provider had made the required improvements to become fully compliant.

People we spoke with told us they were happy with the care and support they received and felt their needs were well met. Comments included, 'It's nice here. I help with the shopping sometimes.' And, 'The staff are supporting me to go on holiday with another person in September to Butlins.'

We asked people about their experience of the meals provided. Comments included, 'We meet each week and do the menu, the staff are ok at cooking.'

We looked at the staff rota and found that sometimes people were at risk of not having their support needs met due to insufficient staff being available. A person who used the service told us, 'I like the staff they help if you've got any problems.' And, 'Sometimes we are short staffed it can't be helped.'

We looked at the procedures the provider undertook when recruiting new members of staff.

We looked at the internal audit systems in place. We saw from these records that people could be assured that checks on equipment, buildings and the service provided was regularly reviewed.

On the day of our inspection there were 12 people living at Carlton Close Care Home. We saw three people during our inspection visit.

We saw staff supported people to participate in activities. People looked relaxed and happy with the staff supporting them. We saw one person was supported to go out in the community to the local park. This person was also supported to make their own lunch.

We observed lunchtime and saw people were given choices of what to eat and their choices were respected.

We spoke with three relatives of people who lived at the home. Comments told to us included, 'I'm really happy with the service provided. I know they (staff) involve her (relative) with everything.' And 'I'm invited to review meetings and I feel I'm involved. I've seen care plans and risk assessments.'

Other comments made were, 'I can't speak highly enough of the service. I wouldn't change it for the world.' And 'I visit regularly, communication with the staff is very good, I'm very impressed with their (staff) openness.'