Archived: Albion Court Care Home

We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the regulations we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask;

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service well led?

This is a summary of what we have found.

Is the service safe?

The provider had effective systems in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people who used the service and others.

We saw risk assessments had been completed for people who were assessed as being at risk of falls.

We saw people were safe and protected from abuse. Staff demonstrated to us an understanding of the types of abuse and how they should be reported. All staff had received training in the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and whistleblowing.

The Care Quality Commission monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. We saw policies and procedures were in place and the manager and deputy manager had received training in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and DoLS.

Is the service effective?

We saw and people confirmed they were treated with respect and dignity. People who used the service were asked about the support they received and if they understood their rights. They were given the information they needed to make an informed decision about their care.

People we spoke to were aware of their rights and what to do if there were any problems. One person said, 'I understand how to complain and who I should speak to if there are any problems'.

Is the service caring?

People's preferences, interests and needs were recorded in people's care records. Staff were able to give examples of these when we spoke to them and displayed a good knowledge of the people living at the home and what their likes or dislikes were.

People's health and care needs were assessed with them and they were involved in this process.

People we spoke with were positive about the care they received from the service.

One person who used the service said, "It's a lovely place to live and I appreciate the help I get'.

Is the service responsive?

There was an effective system in place to record and monitor complaints. Complaints were taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

We saw evidence that care staff identified changes in people's needs and acted to make sure they received the care they needed. For example, there was evidence that where one person's health had declined an immediate referral was made to the correct medical professional for advice and support.

Is the service well led?

The staff we spoke with were aware of the complaints, safeguarding and whistle blowing procedures. Staff told us they would immediately report any concerns they had about poor practice and were confident these would be addressed.

The service had a quality assurance system in place that included the use of surveys from people who used the service.

People told us their views were respected and they or their next of kin were consulted about their care. One person told us, 'They are lovely staff; I cannot say anything against them. They check everything before helping you.'

People's needs were assessed and care was planned in line with their needs. People told us, 'Its home from home. I am well looked after' and 'I am happy with how things are.' A relative we spoke with told us, 'My aunt is well looked after and well fed. If she needs anything she only has to ask and they try and arrange it.'

People we spoke with told us that the food at the home was very good and they enjoyed it. People said, 'The food is good. You can ask for whatever food you want but there is no need to because there is a good choice' and 'You always get two choices of main meal. The food is lovely.'

The agent for the joint administrators of the company demonstrated they were taking action to improve the structure of the building and provide care in an environment that was adequately maintained.

Staff told us they were able to access training and updating, to ensure they had the right skills to care for people at the home. Staff said they were well supported by the manager and the agent who was currently overseeing the home.

Throughout our inspection we found that people were cared for in a clean, hygienic environment and that people were protected from the risk of infection because appropriate guidance had been implemented and followed. One person who used the service told us "The girls keep my room lovely and clean for me".

We found that people were cared for, or supported by, suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff. One person told us "The staff are great, honestly nothing is too much trouble for them".