Archived: Kings Court Care Centre

As part of this inspection we spoke with eleven people who used the service, eight relatives, the Registered Manager, the Area Manager and fourteen care staff. We looked at records relating to the management of the home and six people's care records.

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service, their relatives and the staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at.

Is the service safe?

We found the service was safe. People told us they felt safe. One person said, 'I feel very safe here'. Staff had a clear understanding of their responsibilities to report abuse.

People received safe care. People's needs were assessed and care plans reflected their identified needs. We saw that where risks were identified these had been assessed and appropriate action taken. For example, where people were at risk of pressure damage, pressure relieving equipment was in place.

There were sufficient staff on duty to meet people's needs. We observed staff responding to people's needs in a timely manner. People told us their call bells were answered promptly and staff showed a good knowledge of the needs of the people they were supporting.

The provider understood their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The manager was aware of the recent Supreme Court judgement in relation to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and would take appropriate action if a person required a DoLS.

Is the service effective?

We found the service was effective. People were supported in a dignified and respectful manner. We saw that care records were person centred and written with the involvement of the person and their families.

People's diversity, values and human rights were respected. For example, care records took into account peoples religious choices and preferences. We saw in one person's care record they had identified their religion and expressed a wish to attend religious services. We saw evidence that this person was supported to attend services. Their relative told us 'They really like attending the church services'.

Is the service caring?

People told us they felt well cared for. One person told us, 'They are very kind to me. The staff sit with me and they are lovely'. One relative said, 'When I leave my relative I know they will be safe and well looked after'.

People were supported by caring and attentive staff. We saw care workers encouraging people with patience and understanding. People were not rushed and were able to do things at their own pace.

People were supported in a timely manner, with dignity and respect. For example, we saw one person who was anxious and speaking their own language being supported by a care worker, using non-verbal communication to calm them.

Is the service responsive?

The service was responsive to people's needs. People's needs were assessed before they moved into the home. People's care plans reflected their needs and preferences.

Where changes in people's needs were identified appropriate support from health professionals was sought and changes to care needs met. For example, where care records showed people had been assessed as at risk of choking they had been referred to the speech and language therapist (SALT). The recommendations made had been implemented and we saw people receiving the correct consistency of fluids.

Is the service well-led?

The service was well-led. The provider had systems in place to monitor the quality of the service. A survey was being conducted to gain the views of people using the service and their relatives. The manager provided a weekly evening surgery to meet with relatives to discuss concerns.

There was a clear procedure for recording incidents and accidents. Any incidents and accidents relating to people who used the service were recorded. The manager checked all incident forms to identify any risks or trends and what changes might be required to make improvements for people who used the service.

People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned to meet people's needs. People's care and treatment reflected relevant research and guidance. We found that some people had been involved in developing their care plans and they had given their consent to care and treatment. We saw that people were asked for their consent to support throughout the day.

We observed medication practices. We found that there were suitable arrangements for obtaining, administering, recording and storing medicines so that people received the right medicines at the right time.

Before staff started to work with people they had recruitment checks and they provided information about their employment history, qualifications and experience. The manager and staff made sure that there were all the necessary records to support people and manage the home effectively.

.