Archived: Gresley House Residential Home

Is the service safe?

We spoke with the manager about people's capacity. We saw an account of people's capacity and best interest decisions were recorded around people's needs thus promoting people's rights and choices relating to their day to day lifestyle, experiences and support requirements. One person told us 'I choose to stay in my bedroom because there are lots of people here with dementia it is not their fault but it can mean that there are not many people to talk to here'.

We saw people were involved in their care and treatment and staff were usually able to support them. We found that due to the deployment of staff there were times when there were no staff members in any of the lounge areas and access to the call system for the majority of people was not accessible. This meant there were times when people were left unsupervised. This could affect their safety and wellbeing.

Is the service effective?

We spoke with six people who told us they were happy with the care provided for them by staff at the home. Comments included 'Staff are great'. 'Staff are helpful'. We observed a meal time and found it to be very pleasant and met with people's expectations and cultural needs.

Is the service caring?

People told us staff always asked them what they wanted to do and encouraged them to make their own decisions where possible. Staff told us that they listened to people's choices and treated people with dignity and respect to ensure their privacy needs were met.

We spoke with staff who understood how to care for people at the home. We observed care practice and found staff to be patient and caring towards people receiving care.

Is the service responsive?

Staff made the appropriate referrals to other professionals and community services when needed. When people had accidents they were appropriately treated but there were inconsistencies in how a follow up was monitored and communicated by senior staff members. When complaints about the service were made although they were responded to it was sometimes done in an inconsistent way.

Is the service well led?

The service did not have a registered manager in post, however a new manager had come into post in March 2014. This person told us that she was in the process of applying to us for registration as manager of the home. She told us that she divided her time between two of the provider's homes and that deputy managers provided managerial cover in her absence. However, the findings of our inspection showed that without adequate supervision, guidance and support for senior staff members who managed the home, it was, at times, difficult for them to undertake these additional duties. The new manager was already beginning to address the situation and had started to make progress on the monitoring of the quality and safety of the service provided.

People told us their privacy and dignity was maintained when they were assisted with personal care such as bathing. They confirmed they could make decisions about their daily routines. One person told us they were assisted to get up in the morning at a time of their choosing.

Not everyone we spoke with who was able to converse with us said they understood their care plan or had agreed to the help provided. They told us they were not sure if they had ever been asked for their consent. However, they said care workers told them verbally about the help they were providing. One person told us 'They (care workers) explain everything'.

We observed people's care and support during the visit and saw that they were well supported.

We saw people whose decisions were made for them by the care workers. The help of an advocate could be considered to help when assisting people to understand their options.

We spoke with two relatives. One relative told us 'my relative is okay here. They are well treated and I have no worries about the care'. Another relative told us there are some minor issues. I sort these out with the staff every now and again, such as laundry not always being returned. I have no issues with the care'.

One person told us 'I live here and get on with what I want to do. When I ask for help staff are here for me'.

We observed people eating their meal. Six people told us they enjoyed their meals. People told us the breakfast had improved since our last inspection. A different cook had recently been employed. One person told us tea time was 'so much better now'. They told us they were given cakes baked at the home. They said 'I am able to have a cooked meal or hot food in the evening'. The choice of food at tea time had also improved. This person explained they were 'much happier' with this.

We saw people were provided with equipment when they needed it. Staff helped to meet people's needs and maintain their independence.

Two people told us care workers were good to them and we observed care workers caring for people in an unrushed manner.