We carried out an unannounced inspection on 7 June 2012 in response to recent safeguarding concerns and changes within the home. The changes included the appointment of a new manager and the implementation of new paperwork, which now needed to be completed by all staff and not just the registered nurses. The concerns raised to the local safeguarding authority related to practice issues and the correct management of skin integrity. This meant that people were at risk of not receiving the care they needed. Further concerns were associated with documentation and moving and handling practices. These highlighted training issues around record keeping, moving and handling and safeguarding vulnerable adults. The home had already identified these issues and had taken the appropriate steps to address them, such as the implementation of revised care plans and relevant assessments.
People commented that they were fully involved and supported to make decisions about their care. For example, plans of care were reviewed with people living at Pendruccombe House and their needs and wishes were taken into account. People said that they were encouraged to maintain their independence and felt fully involved in their care.
We were told by people living at Pendruccombe House that staff supported them appropriately with daily living tasks, including personal care and meeting nutritional needs. During our visit, we observed staff supportively assisting people to meet their personal needs, such as transferring from one area of the home to another with the use of a wheelchair and moving to a comfortable chair with the use of a hoist.
People we saw and spoke with confirmed that they felt safe and supported by staff at Pendruccombe House and had no concerns about their ability to respond to safeguarding concerns. They felt that their human rights were upheld and respected by staff.
People we spoke with informed us that staff met their needs in a timely manner. People said that generally call bells were quickly responded to and if there were a short delay they understood the reasons why. People said that this was not a regular occurrence.
People we spoke to said that staff were supportive and helpful. Staff knew how to respond to specific health and social care needs and were observed to be competent. Staff were able to speak confidently about the care practices they delivered and understood how they contributed to people's health and wellbeing.