Archived: Southwood House

The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with; people who used the service, staff supporting people who used the service, the manager and from looking at records. If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

People were treated with dignity and respect by the staff. We saw that people who used the service were relaxed in the presence of staff and responded positively to them. People told us that they felt safe at Southwood House and that there were people they could speak to if they had any concerns.

Staff received training in safeguarding vulnerable adults and were aware of their responsibilities to report any suspicions of abuse.

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs were assessed and plans of care developed according to their needs and preferences. People were involved in the planning of their care, which helped to make sure that it met their needs.

Is the service caring?

We saw staff approach people who used the service in a caring manner. Staff knew about people's individual preferences, interests, and needs and where possible supported these.

Is the service responsive?

We saw that staff were available to support people who used the service and that they were responsive to requests for assistance.

Complaints were taken seriously, acted on in a timely manner and people's views were listened to. One person who used the service gave us an example of a concern that had been raised with the manager and satisfactorily resolved.

We found that the service had responded to the findings of the last inspection in relation to providing staff training in British Sign Language (BSL). We saw one person who used the service enjoying conversation with staff using BSL.

Is the service well-led?

We found that the service was well managed and systems were in place to identify and make improvements where necessary. Staff were supported in their roles and received appropriate training. We found that staff received training in meeting the specific needs of people living at Southwood House; however systems for recording and monitoring this could be improved.

You can see our judgements on the front page of this report.

A person told us that staff were good at their jobs. He said; 'staff help me whenever I need them'.

We spoke with the relatives of four people. They all told us that they thought care was good, or generally good, staff were well trained and knew how to carry out their jobs. One relative said that on a small number of occasions, a staff member had not spoken to her relative with respect. However, in general care was very good.

One relative said; 'I cannot fault the care they give. My daughter is happy there. Staff are kind to everyone. The manager cares about all the residents'.

This was a positive inspection. Everyone living in the home told us they were satisfied, or mainly satisfied, with the care provided. All their relatives we spoke with said that care was good, or generally good. The essential standards we inspected were found to have been met.

There were some suggestions made; to have more in-house activities for people; and to have more in-depth staff training on people's specific needs. The manager stated she would follow up these issues.

A person told us that he had never regretted coming to the home to live: 'This is much better than my previous home. The staff are really good here and the manager is always available if you need her to sort something out'.

We spoke with four relatives. They all told us that the care staff provided was of a high standard and they thought that the quality of care from staff was very good.

One relative said; 'I have no concerns at all. Staff are friendly and professional at all times'.

We received a small number of comments of concern: one person said that two staff had talked down to her. One person said that the home's transport was not adequate. The main vehicle could not accommodate everyone and it often broke down. Management may wish to note that the company should review this issue to ensure that people's transport needs can always be met. a relative said that electric wheelchairs took up to 6 weeks to repair. One relative said that staffing level at weekends appear below. Two relatives said they could not recall getting a questionnaire to comment on my quality and services.

This was generally a positive inspection. However, the service needs to ensure that any safeguarding issues are appropriately reported, so that we can monitor whether we need to take any further action.