Background to this inspection
Updated
14 September 2017
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
The inspection was carried out on 13 and 25 July 2017 by one inspector. The inspection was unannounced.
Before the inspection we reviewed all the information we held about the service including previous inspection reports and the most recent Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, such as what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used this information to help us decide what areas to focus on during our inspection. We also reviewed notifications. Notifications are events that happen in the home which the provider is required to tell us about law.
During the inspection we spoke with one person living at the home, three members of care staff, the deputy manager and the registered manager. We observed people being supported during the day to help us understand their experiences. Following the inspection we spoke with two relatives by telephone to gather their views on the care provided to their loved ones. We also received feedback about the service from one health and care professional.
We looked at two people’s care records and pathway tracked their care. Pathway tracking enables us to follow people’s care and to check they had received all the care and support they required. We reviewed the recruitment records for five staff. We looked at records related to the running of the home, including staff training and appraisals, incident and accident records, medicines records and systems for monitoring the quality of the service provided. We also viewed five staff recruitment files to check safe recruitment practices were in place.
The service was last inspected in August 2015 where no concerns were identified.
Updated
14 September 2017
Rose Cottage offers accommodation and personal care for up to four people living with a learning disability, autism or mental health needs.
The inspection was unannounced and was carried out on 13 and 25 July 2017 by one inspector.
There was a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the home. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the home is run.
Due to leadership changes within the service, some of the management functions had slipped. Record keeping was not always accurate, up to date and easily accessible. Systems were in place to monitor and assess the quality and safety of the home, however these were not always implemented. Staff had not been receiving regular supervision. Some of the records relating to the management of medicines were not being maintained in line with the provider’s policies and procedures.
Safe recruitment procedures were in place and sufficient staff were deployed.
Individual and environmental risks relating to people’s health and welfare had been identified and assessed to reduce those risks. Regular safety checks were carried out on the environment and equipment to keep people safe. Plans were in place to manage emergencies and personal evacuation plans were in place for people.
People and staff told us they felt the home was safe. Staff had received safeguarding training and explained the action they would take to report any concerns.
People’s rights were protected because staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and ensured decisions were made in people’s best interests. The registered manager understood the deprivation of liberty safeguards and had submitted requests for authorisation when required. Other notifications were submitted to the commission when required.
Staff were skilled in communicating with people in a way that met their needs, such as reading body language, pictures and symbols which helped them to reach informed decisions.
Staff understood the importance of empowering people to make choices and take control of their lives and build confidence, self-esteem and achieve positive outcomes.
People were provided with sufficient food and drink to meet their specific dietary needs. People were supported to maintain their health and well-being and had access to health professionals when required.
Staff were kind and caring, treated people with dignity and respect and ensured their privacy was maintained.
There was a positive, supportive and open culture within the home. Staff were positive about working at Rose Cottage and felt very well supported by the registered manager. Staff felt listened to and involved in the development of the service.
People were encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities, both at home and in the community, which increased their skills and independence.
Relatives and care professionals had opportunities to share their views and help drive improvement. Complaints procedures were available and any concerns were appropriately addressed.