Archived: Merrydale Residential Home

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 found-

Is it safe?

People's needs had been assessed and care was delivered to them in line with their needs. Care plans were clear and informative and staff were aware of people's needs and how to meet them. People had the equipment they required to move around the home safely. Emergency arrangements were in place to ensure people could be evacuated safely and continue to be cared for if they could not return to the building.

The manager was aware of their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). No applications had been made under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) however, the manager was aware of the procedures to follow should this be necessary. People were cared for by staff who understood their human rights.

Systems were in place to ensure medication was administered safely and according to people's needs. Staff knew when to seek medical advice and people's changing care and welfare needs were recorded and acted on.

Is it effective?

People, and their relatives, told us they were satisfied with the care they received. One person said, 'You couldn't get better care'. Daily records of care showed people received the care they required which was in line with their care plan. Risks to people's health, safety and welfare were assessed and measures were put in place to mitigate these.

Staff had designated duties to carry out on each shift and the staff we spoke with were aware of these. Staff training needs were identified and staff had completed training appropriate to their role. Where people had specific dietary or moving and handling needs, we observed these were met. The people we spoke with said they were cared for by a consistent team of staff who were skilled and experienced.

Is it caring?

The staff provided support with a caring and friendly attitude. Staff were attentive to people's needs and fostered a friendly atmosphere in the home. A relative we spoke with said, 'Everyone's very kind, especially when [my relative] has been poorly'. Another relative told us, 'It's such a joy to walk away and know [my relative] is well looked after'.

Is it responsive?

A communication book was in use to ensure staff were kept up to date with people's changing health and welfare needs. This enabled staff to take appropriate action when necessary because they were aware of people's needs.

People knew how to complain, although people said they had no complaints. They told us they would talk with the manager and / or provider if they had any concerns. People said their comments and concerns were received positively and action had been taken in response.

Is it well-led?

People living in the home, their relatives and health professionals had opportunity to give feedback about the service. Survey responses showed people were satisfied with the service. Arrangements were in place to audit records and check the quality of the care provided in the home. Improvements had been made as a result. This helped to ensure people received a good quality service at all times.

People, and their relatives, were complimentary about the way the home was managed. One relative told us, 'It's very well run. They have systems in place. They have just got it right'.

People told us staff discussed their care and support with them. One person said staff 'always ask me' before assisting them with personal care. A visitor told us that they had been fully involved in the care planning for their relative.

We observed that staff communicated well with people. Staff promoted a friendly and caring environment. Effective recruitment procedures were in place to ensure staff had undergone the relevant checks before commencing their employment.

Equipment being used at Merrydale was in good repair and people had the equipment they needed to maintain their independence. We saw that records were kept securely and were easily located.