29 May 2014
During a routine inspection
' Is the service safe?
' Is the service caring?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service responsive to people's needs?
' Is the service well led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people who used the service and their relatives, speaking with the staff supporting them, and from looking at records.
Is the service safe?
The care records we looked at contained enough information to show how people were to be safely supported and cared for.
The care records showed that people's health was regularly assessed and monitored to ensure their health and welfare was protected.
The staff we spoke with showed they had a very good understanding of the needs of the people they were looking after.
People told us they felt safe and the staff we spoke with understood how to safeguard the people they supported.
Systems were in place to help ensure the manager and staff learnt from events such as accidents and complaints.
Is the service caring?
People looked relaxed and had a friendly rapport with the staff. The people we spoke with were complimentary about the care provided. We were told, 'I am happy with the care. They look after me very well and it is all very good' and 'I like it here, it's all very good'.
People's care records showed that their preferences, likes and dislikes had been clearly documented and their care and support had been provided in accordance with their wishes.
Is the service effective?
People were assessed by a senior member of staff from the home before they were admitted to ensure their individual needs could be met.
We visited one person in their bedroom to see how they were being looked after. They looked clean, comfortable and well cared for. They had pressure relieving equipment in place to aid comfort and help in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
To ensure that safe and effective care was provided, staff updated their skills and knowledge with regular training and updates.
Is the service responsive to people's needs?
Information in the care records showed the staff at the home involved other health and social care professionals in the care and support of the people who used the service.
Suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that information was passed on when a person was transferred to another service, such as a hospital.
The provider had a clear procedure in place with regards to responding to any complaints and concerns made.
Is the service well led?
We were made aware there had been no registered manager at the home since January 2014 and that the present manager had made an application to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
There were a number of quality assurance systems in place to ensure people were cared for safely. Feedback was sought from people by means of annual questionnaires that asked for their views on how they felt they were being cared for, and if the facilities at the home were to their satisfaction.
Meetings were held regularly for staff, people who used the service and their relatives. These meetings gave people the opportunity to be kept informed of any developments within the service, and also to express their views, about the service and facilities provided.