18, 20 June 2014
During a routine inspection
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with all four people using the service, their relatives, three staff, the manager and the provider. We reviewed the four care plans, three staff files and other relevant records.
Is the service safe?
Care plans instructed staff how to meet people's needs in a way which minimised risk for the individual. They were detailed and ensured staff cared for people in a safe way.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. We found that the home had trained their staff with regard to DoLS and understood when a DoLS referral may be necessary. The type of care the home provided and the needs of the people who lived there meant that it had never been necessary to deprive people of their liberty.
We found that food was of good quality, nutritious and served in a hygienic and safe manner. Staff were trained in food hygiene and people's dietary requirements.
Staff were trained to recognise all forms of abuse and had a clear understanding of how to protect the people in their care. People told us they felt safe and family members said they were always absolutely certain their family members were safe in the home.
The home had enough staff to provide safe care to the people who lived there.
Systems were in place to make sure that the manager and staff continually monitored the quality and safety of care offered to people.
Health and safety was taken seriously by the home and all the appropriate safety checks had been completed. This reduced the risks to the people who lived in the home, staff and visitors.
Effective?
People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and/or their relatives, as appropriate. Care plans were detailed and clearly identified people's needs and how they should be met. We saw that staff gave support as described in individual's care plans.
One relative gave us an example of how the home had improved a person's health condition.
Caring?
People were supported by kind, caring and patient staff. We saw that care staff were attentive, encouraging and positive. They responded appropriately to people's needs. Staff communicated with people at all times and encouraged social interactions.
People described staff as 'very, very kind'. One person said: 'it's wonderful, you couldn't get a better place to live'. Relatives of people who lived in the home described staff as: 'very respectful, kind and understanding'.
People's diversity, values and human rights were respected. Care plans were individualised and person 'centred. We saw that people were treated with respect and dignity by the staff.
Responsive?
Care plans were reviewed regularly and amended, as necessary, to meet people's current needs. We saw that health care was sought in a timely way.
The home had made changes and improvements as a result of ideas and discussions with people who lived in the home and their relatives.
The home had received three compliments and no complaints since January 2014.
Well led?
Staff members told us that they were supported to do their job well. They said that they felt valued and their views were listened to. People who lived in the home and their relatives told us that the manager and provider were in the home all the time. They said they would listen to anything they had to say and take action, as necessary.
The service had a formal quality assurance system. We saw records which showed that any shortfalls were identified and actions to be taken to address them. Several examples of changes made as a result of the annual quality questionnaires were provided by the manager. As a result the quality of the service was being maintained or improved.