15 December 2014
During a routine inspection
We carried out an unannounced visit on 15 December 2014 and a further announced visit was made on 13 January 2015.
Scarbrough Court is a purpose built home registered to provide accommodation for up to 55 adults who require nursing or personal care, some of whom are living with dementia. There were 49 people living at the home at the time of our inspection.
A registered manager was in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.
The registered provider had policies and procedures in place to help ensure people were safe and protected from harm. The system for dealing with medicines was appropriate and medicines were administered safely. Staff were aware of the need to protect people from abuse and had undertaken training. They were able to describe the different forms of abuse and the actions they would take if they had any concerns.
The registered provider monitored accidents and incidents so any concerns were highlighted and appropriate action taken. The premises were well maintained and regular checks were carried out on equipment in the home to protect people’s safety.
We looked at the staff recruitment records and they showed checks were carried out prior to staff being employed in the home to help ensure they were suitable to work with vulnerable people. People and their relatives told us they were always sufficient staff on duty and the staff said they always had sufficient time to complete their daily duties.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). DoLS are part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). These safeguards aim to make sure that people are looked after in a way that does not inappropriately restrict their freedom. The registered manager told us that she had submitted four applications to the Local Authority, where it was felt authorisations were required to restrict people’s liberty in their best interests and to safeguard them from harm.
We observed lunch being served at the home and staff met people’s needs sensitively and the meal was relaxed and unhurried. People told us the food was good and choices were always available. The records showed that staff had undergone appropriate training to meet people’s needs and staff confirmed this. They received regular supervision and were well supported by the management. Staff were able to describe people’s needs and they were cared for people in a considerate and dignified manner and that respected their privacy and dignity.
We saw information to show the home made prompt referrals to health care professionals if required and this was confirmed by the professionals we contacted. Two activities organisers were employed and a programme of activities and outings were provided which people could take part in.
People said they knew how to make a complaint and felt their complaint would be taken seriously by the registered manager. We looked at nine care records and found care plans reflected the assessed needs of people so staff were provided with information as to how they should be cared for.
The management team carried out audits and checks to help ensure standards were met and maintained. Annual surveys were sent to people and their relatives to seek their opinion of the service and we found the comments were positive. The results of the most recent survey were not yet analysed.