Archived: Oaklands

Below is a summary of what we found.

Is the service safe?

People were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. Systems were in place to make sure that managers and staff learned from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns and investigations. This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve. A plan was in place for dealing with emergencies so that people were not put at risk. plan was in place for responding to unexpected events that could affect the running of the service, for example fire or loss of the power or water supply.

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs were assessed with them. We looked at the care records for three people who lived at Oaklands. We found that people's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. We saw evidence that demonstrated staff were provided with regular formal supervision. Staff told us they were supported by management who enabled and encouraged them to access appropriate training on a regular basis.

Is the service caring?

Staff communicated well with people and were attentive when they needed support. We saw evidence that people were involved with the planning of their care.

We saw staff caring for the needs of people in a professional manner. They ensured the people they cared for were supported in taking part in activities in the local community.

Is the service responsive?

The service worked in partnership with other providers to ensure people's health, safety and welfare needs were met. Information about people who used the service was obtained and shared appropriately.

Is the service well-led?

The service had a quality assurance system - records seen by us showed that identified shortfalls were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuingly improving. This helped to ensure that people received a good quality service at all times. People who used the service, their relatives and other people involved with the service completed a satisfaction survey and records showed action was taken where any improvements were required.

'The staff are like friends.'

'It feels like going home.'

'It's similar food to home. I don't have any complaints. Choices are given.'

'The food is great.'

'If I go to them with a problem, they will solve it.'

In addition to our scheduled inspection, we also checked to see whether improvements had been made in relation to the provider's auditing systems and infection control processes. We found that improvements had begun to be made.

We found people's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. However, we identified that the care records we looked at were difficult to navigate around. This made it hard to obtain a clear understanding of the person's needs. The manager informed us she would explore how the care records could be improved.

We saw people were provided with a choice of food and drinks. We saw people's weights were checked regularly and recorded. Where appropriate, we found people were referred to the Dietician.

The three people we spoke with told us there was always a member of staff about when they needed one. The two staff we spoke with and the manager told us there were enough staff to meet people's needs and that they had enough time to support people in the way they wished. There were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people's needs.

'They're wonderful.'

'The staff treat people with kindness.'

'The staff are first class.'

'They are very caring.'

People we spoke with and their relatives told us there were plenty of activities to do. People told us there were activities such as: manicures, exercise, massage, motivation classes, pantomimes and pub lunches.

People said their needs and preferences were discussed with them before they moved into the home. Relatives told us they were involved with their family members' care. People we spoke with commented that they could bring their own furniture and personalise their bedrooms if they wished.

People who lived at the home and their relatives were complimentary about the standard of cleanliness within the home. They told us the home was always clean and tidy. One relative said; 'The cleaner is marvellous.' People we spoke with said their bedrooms were kept clean. People told us they would speak to the manager, who was very approachable, if they wanted to make a complaint.