Our inspection set out to answer five questions: is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well-led?Below is a summary of what we found. It is based on our observations during the inspection, discussions with people living at the home, and with the staff supporting them, and on looking at records.
Is the service safe?
People told us they felt safe. Staff treated people with respect. Safeguarding procedures were in place, and staff knew how to recognise abuse. Arrangements were in place to make sure that the registered manager and staff learnt from incidents and investigations. People's care records, valuables and money were stored securely.
Is the service effective?
The service provided care in line with their wishes and individual needs. This was recorded in care plans. People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and where possible they signed to show that they were involved in deciding the best care to meet their needs.
Staff were trained in appropriate areas of care.
People who needed extra support to make decisions were able to use an independent advocate.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind and caring staff. All of the people we spoke with told us that they were happy at the home. They said it was friendly and had an inviting atmosphere. One person said, 'I love it here.' Another described it as 'excellent.' They said they could not fault the care provided. A visitor told us that their friend was 'so well looked after. It's really, really nice ' they couldn't do anything more'.
The provider conducted annual satisfaction surveys. The most recent survey showed high levels of satisfaction with the quality of care.
Is the service responsive?
The service responded to people's changing needs. When people were unwell or they needed specialist assessment, the provider sought advice from community health and social care professionals.
There were residents' meetings where people could suggest changes to the provider. We saw notes of these meetings that showed that the provider listened and made changes where they could.
No-one that we spoke with had needed to make a complaint since the last inspection.
Is the service well-led?
The service had a system of regular quality assurance that monitored care and showed where it could be improved. The provider had appointed a staff member to be responsible for monitoring compliance with essential standards. When the need for improvement was identified, changes were made.
Staff understood their responsibilities. They felt well supported by the provider and the registered manager. A visitor told us they were 'impressed' with how the home was run.