This inspection took place on 10 September 2015 and was unannounced.
There was a registered manager in place at Dove House Residential Home at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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 service is run.
The service is registered to provide residential care for up to 16 older people.
The registered manager confirmed improvements would be made to some procedures designed to help ensure protection from and control of infections. Cleaning schedules were followed to ensure all aspects of the home were kept clean.
The registered manager confirmed improvements would be made to ensure staff followed procedures designed to protect people from the risks associated with the management of medicines. We saw other aspects of medicines administration that followed guidelines for the safe handling and management of medicines.
People told us they felt safe and staff had been trained in, and understood how to protect people, should they be at risk of abuse. People and staff were also aware of risks to people and knew what actions to take to reduce these risks. Plans were in place, and staffs’ competency in managing emergency situations, such as a fire, were regularly checked.
There were sufficient numbers of staff available to care for people’s healthcare needs and support people with their interests and hobbies while living at the service.
Staff had the skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs and their skills were kept up to date and current through ongoing and regular training. The registered manager had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how people consented to their care and treatment. People told us they enjoyed the food and people’s dietary requirements were catered for and they had access to other health care services as required.
People experienced care and support from staff who enjoyed spending time with them, and who understood them and showed kindness and affection. Staff understood and incorporated the principles of dignity and respect into their work and supported people’s independence. People’s views on their care and support were listened to.
People received personalised care that was responsive to their needs. People were supported to find, and pursue interests and hobbies that were enriching and enjoyable. People’s achievements, experiences, memories and relationships were valued and celebrated. The service routinely invited people’s views into how the service was developing. People we spoke with told us they had been able to contribute ideas to the development of the service.
The registered manager understood their responsibilities, demonstrated an open and approachable management style and was well supported by their staff team. The manager had clear aims and values for the service and promoted a positive, person centred care culture. The service had systems and processes in place to check on the quality and safety of services provided to people using the service.