An adult care social inspector completed the inspection on the 9 June 2014. As part of this inspection we spoke with five people who used the service, the registered manager and deputy manager, two visiting regional managers, two care staff and two relatives.We also reviewed records relating to the management of the home, for example three care plans, two sets of daily recording documents and monitoring charts, maintenance and audit documents, quality assurance survey responses, policies and procedures and information displayed around the home such as the activity timetable.
At the time of the inspection there were nine people who used the service. We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask.
' Is the service safe?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service caring?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service well-led?
This is a summary of what we found '
Is the service safe?
All of the comments were received about the service were positive, both from people who used the service, relatives and staff. People told us they felt safe in the home.
There were systems in place to ensure that incidents and accidents were recorded and these were followed up as appropriate. There were reporting systems in place to make an alert to the local authority regarding abuse. CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care settings. While no applications have been submitted, appropriate policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff had received training in the Mental Capacity Act and the application of DoLS.
Is the service effective?
People's needs were assessed and they told us that they were involved in planning their care. We saw from the care records kept in their home that people were involved in making decisions about their care and that these were respected by staff. People received appropriate care and support because there were effective systems in place to assess, plan, implement, monitor and evaluate people's needs. This ensured their needs were clearly identified and the support they received was meaningful and person centred. People received good care and there were positive outcomes for people.
Is the service caring?
We observed that all staff treated people respectfully and were attentive and caring. All of the comments we received were of a positive nature and confirmed that people and relatives were happy with the support received. Care staff told us they had sufficient information about people's needs and how they should be cared for. This included their preferences and the things that were important to them. The care records we looked at demonstrated that people were consulted about their care needs and that the service offered had been tailored to the individual.
Is the service responsive?
People's care had been reviewed regularly. Other agencies were consulted when there were changes to people's care. All those involved in the person's care were aware of changes so they could respond appropriately and consistently.
Is the service well-led?
People were asked for their views about the service to help ensure their views contributed towards improvements and further development of the service. The service had quality assurance systems in place so that the quality of service could be maintained and shortfalls could be identified. The home had a clear staffing structure in place. Staff we spoke with were clear on their roles and responsibilities and there were defined reporting lines so all staff knew who to report to.