We spoke with two people using the service, the registered manager and the provider. At the time of the inspection there were 5 people using the service.The inspection was carried out by an inspector during one day. This helped answer our five questions;
' Is the service safe?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service caring?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service well led?
Below is a summary of what we found. If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
Care plans had details of people's needs and how these were to be met. These plans were regularly reviewed with the person using the service. Risk assessment related to the care and support being provided and were regularly reviewed to ensure people's individual needs were being met safely.
The medicines prescribed to people using the service were stored in a secure appropriate manner. We saw that the Medicines Administration Records (MAR) charts for all the people using the service were correct and information was clearly recorded.
The service had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). We found the service was meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Is the service effective?
People received effective support from staff who were trained and supported by the manager. We saw that both permanent staff and agency care workers completed a range of mandatory courses each year to meet the support needs of an individual.
People using the service were involved in the development and review of their care plans so they understood and agreed to the care planned for them.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind, attentive staff who treated them with respect and dignity. We saw people were supported and encouraged to be actively involved in their daily care and activities. People we spoke with said they felt safe and were treated with respect.
Is the service responsive?
People we spoke with told us that they do a range of activities that were based on their individual interests and personal development plans. One person said "I have been writing songs for years and now I get to go to a music studio and they help me record my songs." Other activities included learning to drive, visiting the gym and working at a voluntary organisation. The options for activities were identified to meet the needs and wishes of each person.
We saw a copy of the complaints policy was included in the service user guide which was given to people when they moved in. The people we spoke with were aware of how to make a complaint. The manager explained to us that people could also discuss any concerns with their solicitor, care coordinator and care manager.
Is the service well led?
The service had a quality assurance system in place. Records seen by us showed that any issues identified in relation to the quality of the care provided. As a result the quality of the service was continuingly improving.
People using the service could complete a satisfaction survey every three months to provide feedback on their care and support they received. The results were used to identify any areas for improvement.
Regular audits of the care plans and risk assessments were carried out and any identified actions had a completion date. This enabled people to be involved in the decisions regarding the support they received and for staff to identify if the care provided met the needs of each individual using the service.