Archived: Cotswold

People were safe at the service. Staff knew about abuse and how to prevent and to report any concerns that they had. Risks to people were well-managed and staffing levels were sufficient to ensure people received the care they needed. People’s medicines were administered by the service and there were systems in place to ensure that this was done safely.

Staff had the training and support they needed for their roles. People are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice. Nutritional needs were being met and people were supported to attend appointments with healthcare professionals.

There were positive relationships between people and members of staff. Staff adapted their communication and involved people and their families in decisions about their care. People’s privacy and dignity were maintained by members of staff.

Care was person-centred. People had individual care plans in place which provided staff with information about specific goals, preferences, needs and abilities. Activities were provided in the service and local community and the feedback of people and their family members, including complaints, was welcomed.

There was a positive culture at the service and staff members were motivated by their roles. The registered manager had a visible presence and was known to people, relatives and members of staff. There were quality assurance processes in place to monitor and review the care being provided.

All the staff we spoke with had worked at the home for a number of years. They knew the people living there well and used a combination of speech, pictures and sign language to support people in making their needs known. This enabled staff to explain what they were doing, and obtain consent from people in respect of the care and support provided to them.

We observed that people were encouraged to be involved in the day to day running of the home, and records demonstrated an emphasis on people's achievements.

We found that people were supported to have adequate nutrition and hydration.

There was also sufficient space and facilities to meet the needs of the people living in the home.

Staff told us they had the right support and training to do their jobs. It was evident from observation that they had developed positive working relationships with people living in the home; based on trust and respect.

Overall, records that we looked at during our inspection were clear, up to date and well maintained. We did find that care records relating to people living in the home were not being stored securely as required. There was no indication that people's confidentiality had been breached as a result, or that care and support had not been provided appropriately and as planned.

The people we observed during our visit were happy and relaxed in the company of staff providing care and support for them. Music was playing in the lounge and one resident was dancing and engaged in an activity of their choice. The atmosphere in the home was relaxed and people walked about freely. This meant that people were at ease in their environment and with the staff who supported them.

Staff interacted with people appropriately, using their preferred method of communication and encouraged them to make decisions about all aspects of their lives, this included how they spent their time and what they had to eat. One resident was supported to leave the house for a walk as this was part of their daily routine and an activity that they enjoyed.