9 February 2012
During an inspection in response to concerns
We spoke with four people who used the service, two visiting relatives, a visiting healthcare professional and six members of staff.
We spent time sitting in the lounge areas on both the residential and connect floors of the home observing how staff and residents interacted with each other. We saw staff assisting people and explaining what they were doing in a calm and patient way. People were being offered choices about how they wanted to spend their time. We did not see anyone waiting for help when needed. There was a relaxed atmosphere and the body language of service users indicated they were comfortable and at ease in their surroundings.
People we spoke with told us they were happy at the home and that they made their own choices such as when they got up or went to bed. They told us that the staff were kind and that the food was nice.
Staff we spoke with were knowledgeable about people's needs and had been given relevant training to undertake their job.
There were plenty of activities for people to enjoy which were organised by the activity co-ordinators. These were well advertised to people who used the service. Activities included themed nights with food and entertainment. Friends and relatives were welcome to join in. While visiting we saw the majority of service users participating in card making activities. We saw residents chatting with each other and reading newspapers.
There was some concern around night staffing levels due to sickness however we did not see care compromised because of this. The Health care professional and visitors we spoke with were complimentary and confident about care being given. The manager was able to show us that staffing levels had been reviewed and that due to the employment of new staff there would be greater coverage on both day and night shifts.