We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and to pilot a new inspection process being introduced by CQC which looks at the overall quality of the service.
This was an unannounced inspection.
Arun Lodge is a care home service that provides care without nursing for up to 21 older people. There were 16 people living at the home at the time of our inspection. People who lived at the home required different levels of support. Some people were independent and others required low level support from staff with personal care; for example washing, dressing, eating and mobility or to maintain good health. The home was not a specialist dementia service but did support people living with dementia to continue to live there and to be cared for within a familiar environment and by staff who knew them well.
The home was managed by the provider who is in day to day charge and worked alongside staff in order to provide care to people. The provider is the person who has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law.
Staff followed the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). Staff observed the key principles of the MCA in their day to day work checking with people that they were happy for them to undertake care tasks before they proceeded. The service had good systems in place to keep people safe. Assessments of risk had been developed and reviewed.
People told us they were happy with the service they received. People were supported by kind and caring staff and positive relationships existed between them. One person told us they liked living at the home because, “I wake every morning to the laughter of the staff”. Another person told us, “It is important to laugh, I like it here”.
There were pictures of the provider’s family on the walls and people told us the providers sometimes brought their dogs to the home. People told us they missed the dogs when they weren’t there and sometimes secretly fed them treats. Special occasions such as birthdays were celebrated and people’s friends and relatives were welcomed. This contributed to the homely atmosphere of the service.
The service employed enough, qualified and well trained staff, and ensured safety through appropriate recruitment practices. The home was clean and measures were in place for the prevention and control of infection. Equipment was regularly serviced and replaced when necessary. The provider had appropriate arrangements for the safe ordering, administration, storage and disposal of medicines. People were supported to get the medicine they needed when they needed it.
Staff received induction training to meet people’s need and keep them safe.. Staff completed an induction which involved observing other staff to learn about their role. Staff practice was overseen to ensure that staff were competent to be able to deliver the care people required. Staff felt supported by the provider and were positive and enthusiastic about their roles.
Meal times were a focal point for people to get together within the home. Meal times were a lively and inclusive affair although people could eat in their rooms if they chose. Food was home cooked and in line with people’s preferences. One person told us, “The food is good, homemade, cooked on the spot, There is time to eat no pressure put upon us. The atmosphere in the dining room is relaxed”. People were supported to have sufficient to eat and maintain a balanced diet.
The needs and choices of people had been clearly documented in their care records. Where people’s needs changed the provider acted quickly to ensure the person received the care and treatment they required. People had access to healthcare services when required.
Leisure and social activities were available in accordance with people’s individual needs. Some people used community facilities such as the local pub or tea shops. Activities took place within the home and a Priest visited to give Holy Communion to those who wished to take part.
The provider sought feedback through questionnaires from people and their relatives. The provider took steps to ensure that care and treatment was provided in an appropriate and safe way and, where necessary, improvements were made. People told us they knew how to complain and any concerns were acted upon. The provider, along with senior staff, provided good leadership and support to the staff. The provider was involved in the day to day monitoring of the standards of care and support that were provided.