21 July 2014
During a routine inspection
Information we gathered during the inspection helped answer our five questions; Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, staff supporting them and from looking at records. We also had responses from external agencies including social services .This helped us to gain a balanced overview of what people experienced living at Watson House.
If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
People were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. People told us they felt safe. One person told us, 'There is always somebody around if you need them'. Another said, 'All the staff are very good with me. I feel safe and secure. I feel settled here'.
Staff we spoke with had knowledge and understanding of individual personal care plans and risk management plans for people they were supporting. One staff member told us, 'We have just updated all the plans so they are clear and easy to follow'.
The home had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made and in how to submit one. This meant people would be safeguarded as required.
The homes environment was well maintained and designed to meet the needs of people using the service. People's rooms were personalised. People we spoke with told us they used their rooms as they chose. Three people we spoke with chose to stay in their rooms during the day but liked to eat with other residents in the dining area at mealtimes. Comments included, 'I like to stay in my room and watch sport and other films. I have everything I need here'. Another person told us, 'I like to come and go as I please. It's a nice home to live in really homely'.
Maintenance service certificates were in place and up to date to ensure systems in the home were safe.
Is the service effective?
People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in developing their plans of care where possible. Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required. One staff member said, 'It's really important to involve people as much as possible so they have a say in how they wish to be supported'.
Staff members we spoke with had an awareness of people's care needs. Comments included, 'We are a small home where we all work together so it helps us to understand everyone's current needs'. We found the care plans were up to date and reflected the current needs of people. They were regularly reviewed for their effectiveness and changed in recognition of the changing needs of the person.
Is the service caring?
Comments from people we spoke with included, 'All the staff are patient. It can take me some time to do things but I never feel under pressure'. Also, 'There is always someone around. They can't do enough for you'.
Throughout the inspection we spent time in all areas of the home to observe staff interaction with residents. People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw staff showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. One person we spoke with said, 'I would not want to be anywhere else.'
People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with their wishes. Resident's personal histories had been developed by staff. Staff we spoke with told us this had helped them to identify with things personal to the person. One staff member told us, 'This has helped us get to know people better'.
Is the service responsive?
Records showed admissions to the home were well planned. Information about people's care and support needs had been recorded. We also saw potential risks to people's health and welfare had been identified. Guidance had been provided for staff to ensure they provided safe and appropriate care. We saw staff engaging people in a range of activities. We found people had access to a range of healthcare professionals. People received regular health checks with their General Practitioner and the outcome of these visits were recorded on their care records.
Is the service well led
The service had quality assurance systems in place. Records showed that identified problems and opportunities to change things for the better were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuously improving. Staff had a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities. People we spoke with said they received a good quality service at all times.
Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff had an understanding of the ethos of the home and quality assurance processes were in place. This helped to ensure people received a good quality service at all times.