24 June 2014
During a routine inspection
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, communicating with the eight people using the service, five staff and the manager. We reviewed four care plans, three staff files and other relevant records.
Is the service safe?
Care plans instructed staff how to meet people's needs in a way which minimised risk for the individual. They were detailed and ensured staff cared for people in a safe way.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. We found that the home had trained their staff with regard to DoLS and understood when a DoLS referral may be necessary. One DoLS referral had been made in 2013 and we saw that best interests meetings were held, as appropriate.
People were safe in the service because staff had been properly trained and knew how to identify and report all forms of abuse. People told us they felt safe and knew that staff would keep them safe.
We saw that staff were properly supported and trained to make sure they could support people and meet their individual needs.
Systems were in place to make sure that the manager and staff continually monitored the quality and safety of care offered to people.
Health and safety was taken seriously by the service and all the appropriate safety checks had been completed. This reduced the risks to the people who lived in the home, staff and visitors.
Effective?
People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and/or their relatives, as appropriate. Care plans were detailed and clearly identified people's needs and how they should be met. We saw that staff gave support as described in individual's care plans.
We saw that the service was supporting people to achieve as rewarding a lifestyle as possible. One person told us they: 'really enjoyed their life now'.
Caring?
People were supported by kind, caring and patient staff. We saw that care staff were positive, respectful and inclusive. Staff communicated with people at all times and encouraged social interactions. People described staff as: 'brilliant'.
People's diversity, values and human rights were respected. Care plans were individualised and person 'centred. We saw that people were treated with respect and dignity by the staff.
Responsive?
Care plans were reviewed regularly and amended, as necessary, to meet people's current needs. We saw that health care was sought in a timely way. The service worked closely with other agencies to achieve the best care for people with special health needs.
The service had a detailed complaints policy and procedure which people who used the service were aware of. It had not received any complaints since registration in October 2013.
Well led?
Staff members told us that they were supported to do their job well.
The service had a formal quality assurance system. We saw records which showed that identified shortfalls and actions to be taken to address them. We saw some examples of changes made as a result of listening to people and their families. As a result the quality of the service was being maintained or improved.