During our inspection we (the Care Quality Commission) spoke with four people, four staff and two relatives. We also spent time observing care and lunch time and looked at five care plans. On the day of our inspection 19 people were living at the home and receiving care from the service. Four people were receiving respite care.
We asked one person about their experience of the home and they said 'I really love it here. I really do'. When we asked why they said because of the 'atmosphere, staff and food.' One relative described their mother as being 'As happy as a sand boy.' Another person said 'Everything you want is done with a smile and respect. No problems whatsoever.'
We talked with one person about maintaining their independence and they replied positively, 'I do it myself. I ring the bell if I need help.' Another person we spoke with said 'I try to keep as much independence as I can. I will carry on with that as long as I can and they (the staff) know that.'
One person we spoke with said 'There's lots of activity. I enjoy the word games. It makes me think.' They also described the mobile shop as 'very handy' and talked about how they had been able to buy clothes from a service offered at the home. Another person said 'I've made an awful lot of friends and I'm kept occupied.'
We asked one person about the quality of care at the home and they summed up their experience by saying 'Daw Vale is recommended. I can't find any fault whatsoever.' One relative said 'I can't find a fault.'
Care plans were comprehensive but the falls risk assessment process was ineffective which put people at risk of harm through injury. Staff had good access to training, but the management systems in use did not effectively support the home with learning and development plans for staff.
The home was spacious and clean. Fixtures and fittings were dated in appearance. and quotes had been sought for a major refurbishment plan.