The inspection was carried out on 18 August 2015 and was unannounced. At our previous inspection on 4 September 2013 we found that they were meeting the Regulations we assessed them against.
Yockleton Grange is a care home that provides accommodation and personal care for up to 30 older people, some of whom are living with a learning disability.
A registered manager was in post. 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.
The provider had policies and procedures to ensure that people who could not make decisions for themselves were protected. People’s human rights were protected because staff understood the policies and legislation and how to apply them.
Systems were in place to protect people from harm. All staff had been given training in keeping people safe. Staff were clear about their responsibilities to be aware of and report any incidents of abuse or poor practice immediately.
People told us they felt safe living in the home and believed staff would not let them come to any harm. No-one shared any issues of concern. Accidents and incidents were monitored and reviewed to identify any issues or concerns. People were assessed against a range of potential risks such as poor nutrition, falls, skin damage and mobility.
The registered manager assessed people for their level of dependency and this information was used to determine the number of staff needed to meet people’s needs. The registered manager stated they would increase the number of staff to cover events as necessary.
Suitable recruitment procedures and checks were in place to ensure staff had the right skills to support people at the home. Medicines were handled safely and stored securely.
People told us they were happy with the standard and range of food and drink provided at the home. People were given a choice about what they wanted to eat at each meal. Staff kept records regarding people’s individual dietary requirements and preferences.
People told us they felt the staff knew how to look after them. Staff confirmed they had access to training and development. Regular supervision took place and staff received annual appraisals.
People told us they were very well cared for and spoke highly of the kindness and attention of the registered manager and staff in the home. Staff knew people well and used their knowledge of people’s families and life histories to engage with them. Staff were able to tell us about people’s particular needs and how best to support them. People’s health and wellbeing was monitored and staff regularly referred people to GPs and district nurses.
People and their families were encouraged to express their views and be actively involved in their own care and in the running of the home. There were frequent resident meetings and the registered manager made time to speak with people directly. Information was displayed about the services and activities on offer. Important contact details, such as advocacy services, were made available to people and their visitors to help them maintain their independence.
People told us they rarely had to formally complain about the service. No formal complaint had been raised in the previous 12 months. People were encouraged to make comments and suggestions. A suggestion box was in the foyer.
The provider had a wide range of activities and opportunities for social stimulation, both in the home and in the local community. People told us they were happy with the social activities available to them and said that staff made every attempt to meet individual preferences, as well as providing group activities.
The registered manager provided leadership and ensured there was an open and caring culture in the home. Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities and were proud of the quality of care they provided and were happy working in the home. They said they felt supported and listened to by the registered manager.
People living in the home spoke very highly of the registered manager and said she was always approachable, kind and had time for them. They said they felt listened to by the registered manager and the staff and were encouraged to express themselves freely. We were told the home had a happy family atmosphere.
Health professionals who supported the home commented very positively on the ability and quality of the management of the home.