Archived: Tendring Meadows Care Home

Is the service safe?

Staff had received a range of training to protect people from harm. Safeguarding of vulnerable adults from abuse (SOVA), Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) training were completed every year. Staff we spoke with told us that they were aware of the action they would take if they suspected abuse was or had taken place. They were also aware of what it meant to deprive someone of their liberty. They were also aware of what it meant to deprive someone of their liberty and why this was sometimes necessary when a person did not have the capacity to make decisions for themselves. The staff had considered the person's capacity within the guidelines of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and (DoLS). Where there was potential for people to be deprived of their liberty in order to safeguard them from harm, appropriate referrals to the local safeguarding authority had been made. This ensured that people's best interests had been considered.

The policy, procedures and quality monitoring of the service included health and safety and reviews of care planning and delivery. This system was comprehensive and ensured people lived in a safe environment with safe care.

Is the service effective?

People were satisfied with the care and support they received. This was consistent with the positive feedback received from people as reported in the provider's own quality assurance survey. All of the staff we spoke with were knowledgeable about individual people's care needs, and this knowledge was consistent with the care plans in place.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that staff showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. We spoke with three people who used the service. One person said to us, "I like it here." Another person said, "The staff are very helpful." We observed the care and attention people received from staff. All interactions we saw were appropriate, respectful and friendly and there was a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere throughout the home.

Is the service responsive?

We saw that care plans and risk assessments were informative, up to date and regularly reviewed. The registered manager responded in an open, thorough and timely manner to complaints. This meant that people could be assured that complaints were investigated and action was taken as necessary. Staff told us the manager was supportive and approachable and they would have no difficulty speaking to them if they had any concerns.

Is the service well led?

Staff said that they felt well supported by the manager and the deputy manager. There was a commitment from everyone to work together as a team. The provider had a range of quality monitoring systems in place to ensure that care was being delivered appropriately by staff.

During our inspection we spoke with people who told us they liked living in Tendring Meadows. A relative told us their relative had settled in and they were happy with the standard of care. Another relative said: 'People are treated with respect and dignity.' We saw that people were comfortable with staff and others living in the home; the atmosphere was relaxed.

Relatives who completed surveys as part of the home's quality monitoring system were complimentary about the staff, the environment and the standard of care provided at Tendring Meadows. One relative stated: 'X is looked after so well' and another stated their relative was always busy which was what they preferred but they could rest when they wanted, it was their choice.

We saw that staff were knowledgeable about the needs of people living in the home, treated them with respect and provided care in ways that people preferred and that met their needs.