A single inspector carried out this visit. They considered all the evidence gathered under the outcomes inspected and used the information to answer the five questions we always ask; Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service well led?
The detailed evidence supporting our summary can be read in our full report.
Is the service safe?
People who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. Members of staff were knowledgeable about what might constitute abuse and knew how to escalate any concerns. They had all received appropriate training in recognising and preventing abuse. We saw that the service acted promptly in situations where they suspected that abuse may have occurred and took action to prevent these incidents from happening again.
People who used the service, staff and visitors were protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises. The provider had taken steps to provide care in an environment that was suitably designed and adequately maintained. We found that maintenance issues were responded to and resolved quickly. The provider had a development plan which they were following to ensure that the premises remained in good condition.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. The registered manager told us that no one at the service had applications submitted under this system. They had recently assessed each person using the service in relation to the DoLS and sought advice about the operation of the DoLS from the local authority's DoLS co-ordinator. The provider also had a written DoLS policy which had last been reviewed in June 2013.
Is the service effective?
People's views and experiences were taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care. The service carried out a needs assessment with the people who were new to the service. They gathered information from people using the service, their families and their health or social care professionals to understand their care needs and how these might be informed by their personal or social history.
Care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. Risk assessments had been carried out for each person depending on their abilities and need for support in different areas. Plans were put in place to minimise risks. For example, if someone was at risk of falling in the shower, then strategies for how best to support that person to prevent this from happening were recorded.
Is the service caring?
Members of staff spoke to the people using the service in a calm and polite manner. The people using the service appeared relaxed in their interactions with members of staff. Members of staff promoted people's well being by engaging them in a range of activities. The service took a person-centred approach to care and was working on 'active support' plans to encourage people to become more independent.
We spoke to relatives of people who were using the service. They were all satisfied with the care that was being provided. They emphasised the 'homely' feel of the service. One relative told us, "I have no concerns. I trust the staff completely." Another relative said, "It is a happy place. I am very happy for my son to be there."
Is the service responsive?
We examined how the service responded to complaints as well as what actions they took in response to any adverse incidents involving people who used the service. We found that the service acted to resolve complaints within 24 hours and had more formal systems in place for investigating complaints that could not be resolved in this timeframe. We saw that the service carried out investigations in relation to any incidents and put strategies in place to prevent incidents from occurring again.
Is the service well led?
The provider had effective systems to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people received. This included obtaining feedback from people using the service, their relatives and other relevant health and social care professionals. The registered manager also carried out audits, for example of medication used, to ensure that the service was safe and that the care being provided was suitable and effective.