Archived: Ashleigh Rest Home

used the information to answer the five questions we always ask;

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service well led?

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

People who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. People told us they did not feel at risk using the service. One person said "I feel safe. Nothing dangerous here." Staff had undertaken training in areas that promoted people's safety including training about safeguarding vulnerable adults and moving and handling people. Risk assessments had been carried out to help reduce the risks people faced.

Is the service effective?

People told us they were satisfied with the care and support provided by the service. One person told us "the carers are efficient and they meet my requirements." We observed staff supporting people in line with their stated wishes and assessed needs. Staff were aware of people's needs and preferences and the support each person using the service required.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by caring and attentive staff. We saw that care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. One person said, "I have got a care plan with what is necessary to me." Another person nodded when we asked them if they thought that the staff were caring.

Is the service responsive?

The service carried out assessments of people's needs before they began to provide support. Assessments included information about people's likes and preferences. The service involved others such as dieticians and district nurses where there was a need.

Is the service well-led?

The service had a registered manager in place and a clear management structure. Staff files examined confirmed that there was a process in place for recruiting staff that ensured all relevant checks were carried out before someone was employed. Staff we spoke with said they found management staff to be approachable. Clear records were maintained which were stored securely. Quality assurance and monitoring processes were in place. These included seeking the views of people who used the service.

We saw that care plans contained information from assessments, were person centred and clearly documented the care and welfare needs of each person. Staff we spoke to were knowledgeable about everyone's care and support needs.

Relatives told they were very happy with the way their relatives were cared for. One said 'they have taken the time to get to know them, especially their likes and dislikes'. Another said 'they treat them kindly. They are always clean and well fed.'

Appropriate arrangements were in place in relation to the recording of medicine. We saw that medicine administration record sheets (MARs) were completed after medication was given. Refusals were also noted. We saw that where people had refused medication on a regular basis the doctor had been informed.

People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard. The manager and staff stated that one to one sessions occur every eight weeks and we saw evidence to confirm this.

The home had a quality assurance strategy and we saw the provider had sought professional advice about how to ensure the quality of the service was maintained.