Plymouth Court provides care and support to people living in specialist ‘extra care’ housing. The setting comprises of 52 purpose-built bungalows in a shared site. The accommodation is bought and is the occupant’s own home. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for extra care housing; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support service. At the time of the inspection three people were using the service.We last inspected this service in April 2016 and found the provider was meeting all legal requirements and rated the service as ‘Good’. At this inspection we found the service was not always clear about some aspects of medicine management. Staff supervision discussions were not formally recorded. Quality assurance systems had not identified these shortfalls.
At this inspection we rated the service as ‘Requires Improvement’.
We have made a recommendation about the management of medicines and quality assurance systems.
The service had a registered manager. 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 received their medicines at the correct time. Medicine administration records were signed. Medicines were stored securely. Records were not accurate on how people were to be supported with their medicines. Written guidance for staff on where to apply prescribed creams was not in place.
The provider did have a policy and procedure in place for safe recruitment. No new staff had been employed since the last inspection.
Staff felt supported and had discussions with the registered manager in terms of practice and support but these were not formally recorded. The registered manager’s supervision sessions were not always recorded.
The provider ensured staffing levels met the needs of the people using the service. Staff were aware of safeguarding and knew how to raise concerns if they felt people were at risk of abuse or poor practice. Accidents and incidents were recorded and reviewed by the registered manager.
Staff received an annual appraisal. Staff received training appropriate to the needs of the service.
People were supported with their health needs and had access to healthcare professionals when necessary. Staff supported people with some meal preparation.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives, and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People and relatives felt the service was caring. Staff provided support in a respectful manner ensuring people’s privacy and dignity was promoted. Where possible people were supported to be as independent as possible.
The provider had a complaints process in place which was accessible to people and relatives.
People, relatives and staff felt the registered manager was approachable. We observed the registered manager was visible in the service and found people interacted with them in an open and friendly manner. The provider worked closely with outside agencies and other stakeholders such as health care professionals.