Archived: Brunswick House

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service, their relatives and the staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at.

If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.

This is a summary of what we found:

Is the service safe?

The care records we looked at showed that each person had detailed care plans in place, covering the care and support needs that were relevant to them. This showed that people's care needs had been assessed and planned, to help ensure they got the care they needed. Medication systems were in place to help people manage their medication safely and in the way that worked best for them.

We found the location to be meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. No Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisations had been needed, but staff understood their responsibilities. People's human rights were therefore properly recognised, respected and promoted.

Risk assessments and procedures had recently been reviewed, to make sure they were up to date and appropriate. However, the up to date versions still needed to be implemented by the provider. Checks and audits were being carried out to ensure that people were kept safe and that the service was meeting people's needs.

Is the service effective?

The people we spoke with were satisfied with the care and support they received and happy living at the home. Comments made to us included, 'Anything you want doing they'll help you.' During our visit we observed the care and support people received. We saw that people living at the home looked cared for and were supported appropriately in their day to day lives.

Is the service caring?

People who used the service felt that their staff were pleasant, responsive and that they got on well together. Comments made to us included, 'They are all very good' and 'I think we respect each other, both the staff and the residents.' We saw that people living at the home appeared comfortable with their staff and were treated in a caring way.

Is the service responsive to people's needs?

We were told how people were involved in making choices about menus, outings and activities, with comments including, 'Plenty of freedom' and 'Oh yes, plenty of choice'. People also told us how they were involved in planning their care. The care records we looked at had all been reviewed and signed by the person who used the service, to show that they had been involved and agreed with their plan of care.

The people we spoke with knew who the manager was and told us that they could go and see them if they had any problems. People confirmed that they had regular meetings where they could discuss things and make suggestions. One person commented, 'If we have a particular problem we are perfectly at liberty to bring it up and mention it' and 'If you point something out they listen'.

Is the service well-led?

The service had a registered manager and a house leader, who both helped to oversee the day to day management of the service. The provider also provided support, through the company's support systems and regular visits to the service.

There was evidence of the registered manager reviewing systems and making changes to help make things better. This included gaining feedback from people who used the service and listening to their views. People who lived at the service felt that they were involved in decisions about the service and that their views were listened to.

We found that the care plans provided staff with the information they needed to meet people's needs.

We found that a range of health and care professionals were involved in meeting people's needs.

We saw that people had the equipment they needed and that effective systems were in place to ensure safety.

Staff had received appropriate training and support in respect of their job roles.

Records were accessible, stored securely where appropriate and kept up to date.

We found that people had their needs assessed and that care plans were in place. All the people we spoke with were very satisfied with the service they received.

People were provided with a choice of suitable and nutritious food and drink.

The environment was clean and well decorated and systems were in place to ensure maintenance was carried out when required.

There were appropriate arrangements in place for the recruitment of staff.

There was a complaints procedure in place and this was accessible to people.