We gathered evidence against the outcomes we inspected to help answer our five key questions: is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led? Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what we observed, the records we looked at and what people using the service, their relatives and the staff told us.
If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
During our inspection of Ponsandane we saw evidence to support a judgement that this service was safe.
People were asked for their consent prior to the delivery of care and treatment. During our inspection we spoke with five people living in the home and one visiting relative. People told us they liked living in the home and everyone we spoke with told us they felt safe. One person told us 'They're marvellous'.
Care plans were personalised to the individual and gave clear guidance for staff to follow to meet people's needs. This included how staff should provide care to people who had complex needs and were not always orientated to their surroundings.
We saw staff at Ponsandane understood the legal requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
We found there was enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people's needs. All the people we spoke with thought there was sufficient staff. The service regularly monitored people's needs and adjusted staffing levels to meet people's needs if they changed.
Is the service effective?
During our inspection of Ponsandane we saw evidence to support a judgement that this service was effective.
People's health and care needs were assessed and mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required. Staff we spoke with and observed showed they had good knowledge of the people they supported.
People were asked for their consent for any care or treatment and the home acted in accordance with their wishes. Where the home assessed people did not have the capacity to consent, they acted in accordance with legal requirements.
Is the service caring?
During our inspection of Ponsandane we saw evidence to support a judgement that this service was caring.
People's individual care plans recorded their choices and preferred routines for assistance with their personal care and daily living. Where people were unable to be communicate their choices the home had worked with people's families to write details of their known daily routines on their behalf.
The people we spoke with told us they were happy living in the home and the staff were caring and attentive to their needs. People told us 'they [staff] are very good' and 'staff look after you'. We observed staff responded to people in a kind and sensitive manner.
Is the service responsive?
During our inspection of Ponsandane we saw evidence to support a judgement that this service was responsive.
People were able to take part in a range of group and individual activities such as singing, bingo and painting.
Ponsandane gave clear information to people about how to complain. We saw the home responded appropriately when complaints were made and took prompt action to resolve the concerns raised.
Is the service well-led?
During our inspection of Ponsandane we saw evidence to support a judgement that this service was well-led.
The home worked with other services to ensure people's health needs were met. This included professionals such as GPs, dieticians, tissue viability nurses and district nurses.
The home had a registered manager, a deputy manager and administrative support.