Archived: Ivy House

Ivy House is registered to provide care for up to 20 older adults. They specialise in dementia care. At the time of our inspection there were 18 people living at the service.

Accommodation is provided over two floors. There is a stair lift available to the first floor.

Ivy House has a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People told us that they felt safe at the service, and were happy living there. Staff had a good understanding of how to safeguard people and protect them from abuse. Staff were confident about what action they would take if they had any concerns, this would include reporting concerns to the registered manager.

People were protected by safe staff recruitment procedures. There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s needs. Staff had received training which reflected the needs of the people living at the service and enabled them to provide support in a safe manner. We saw risk assessments in place in people’s plans of care to promote their safety.

We saw that people received their medication in a timely and safe manner, administered by staff who were trained in the administration of medication.

People were offered choices with food and drinks and appropriate support was given when needed. There were drinks and snacks available between meals.

The registered manager and staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA), and supported people in line with these principles. This included staff seeking consent from people before delivering care.

People’s health and welfare was promoted and they were referred to relevant healthcare professionals in a timely manner to meet their health needs.

People’s plans of care were personalised and accurately reflected people’s care and support needs, the plans of care included information about people’s life histories, interests and likes and dislikes which provided staff with sufficient information to enable them to provide care effectively.

The service had an atmosphere which was warm, friendly and supportive. We saw staff positively engaging with people living at the service and treating people with dignity and respect.

Audits and checks were effectively used to ensure people’s safety and the building and equipment were well maintained.

The provider and registered manager provided effective leadership to the service and sought regular feedback from people living at the service, and their relatives. They encouraged staff to attend meetings to share their views in order for them to review and develop the service.

During our inspection we answered 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 the people who used the service, relatives, and staff told us. During our inspection we talked with seven people who used the service, two relatives, and five members of staff. Some of the people who lived at the home were not able to give their views due to their mental health needs so we spent time with them observing the support they received.

If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

People told us they felt safe at Ivy House and trusted the staff. One person said, 'I have no worries now I am here. The staff look out for me all the time.' Relatives told us the staff provided good, safe care. One relative commented, 'My (family member) was having problems at home but now they are here the staff keep an eye on them and made sure they are safe.'

Records showed staff had thought about people's safety and how to reduce risk. Plans of care and risk assessments were in place for people whose behaviour sometimes presented a risk to themselves or others. This helped to ensure that the people themselves and others who lived and worked in the home were safe.

People told us they liked how the home looked and thought the environment was clean, safe, and well-maintained. One person said, 'All the rooms are nice and my bedroom is huge. I'm very pleased to be living in such a nice house.' A relative commented, 'The staff have done their best to create a lovely environment for my (family member). It's very homely here and a nice place to visit.'

Is the service effective?

People told us the staff were good at their jobs. One person said, 'If you want to know anything here you just ask the staff. They know what we need.' Another person commented, 'The staff rank highly here.'

Relatives also told us they were happy with the staff. One relative said, 'The staff know what they're doing and they always seem good with the residents. They seem to be very well trained.' Staff told us they were satisfied with the training they had received and were confident in their work.

Is the service caring?

People told us the staff were well-suited to care work. One person said, 'The staff are always willing and we get on with them, they are very special people.' A relative commented, 'Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff. They are all very caring people and knowledgeable about the needs of the residents.'

We saw staff providing care in a kind and compassionate manner. They supported people in a calm and unhurried manner. We saw one care worker comforting a person who was distressed and taking the time to explain to them what was happening. Staff were able to reassure the people who used the service and involve them in their care.

Is the service responsive?

People told us they were satisfied with the care and support they received. They also said they were encouraged to make decisions about their own lifestyles. One person said, 'I go to bed and get up when I want. No-one tells me what to do here.' A relative commented, 'The staff are loving and the care is excellent.'

People's individuality, likes, dislikes, and interests were respected and promoted at the home. For example, two people said they enjoyed going on errands with the provider. One person liked to stay up late and help staff check the doors were locked and the lights switched off before going to bed. And one group of people had regular late night music and dancing sessions. This showed that staff encouraged people to be themselves and develop their own routines.

Is the service well-led?

All the people we spoke with said the home was well-run and provided safe, quality care. One person told us, 'This is an excellent establishment and the staff do a commendable job.' A relative commented, 'As soon as I met them I had a good feeling about the people who run this home ' they're lovely and care deeply about the residents.'

The home had an open and inclusive atmosphere. People told us they thought it was 'homely'. One person said, 'You can say what you like here, we're like a family.' A relative said, 'Families and friends can come and go as they want. Some come every day. Some live far from the home but are happy to travel to see their family members because the care is so good here.'