This inspection took place on 22 January 2015 and was unannounced.
Grenville Court is a home offering accommodation for up to 64 people, some of whom may be living with dementia. There is a registered manager for this home. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run. However, the registered manager for Grenville Court has left the home and the newly appointed manager is in the process of registering with the Commission.
People we spoke with and their relatives told us the home was a safe place to live in. They praised the home and gave examples of what ensured the home was safe.
Staff were aware of the signs to look for if there was any suspicion of abuse. They knew who to report to and what action would be taken by the manager to address the concern.
Staff had the knowledge and training to ensure they could support people correctly who may be living with dementia and who could challenge the care and support provided.
Staff involved people and their family members in identifying risks. Records were held for staff guidance on how to manage the risks in the most appropriate way.
The premises and equipment were regularly serviced and monitored by management to ensure the property was safe for people living there. However, some equipment such as hoist slings did not meet the individual needs of people who required assistance with transfers.
The manager used safe procedures when recruiting staff.
People received their medicines from a team of staff who were competent and regularly updated with training to ensure the medication processes were safe.
Only a few staff were aware of the implications and expectations of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 regarding the way they supported and cared for people who did not have the capacity to consent to their care and support. However, more training was planned to build their knowledge in this topic.
Staff were supervised and had been supported to gain knowledge and complete training to enable them to carry out their work as required. Newly recruited staff received comprehensive induction training to ensure they had the skills they required when commencing their employment.
Suitable methods of recording and ensuring people received enough food and drink was in place. The cook was aware of preferred meal choices and staff ensured enough food and fluid was consumed to maintain a suitable weight and prevent dehydration.
Improved methods had recently been introduced by the manager to ensure people received the correct support to meet the health needs of people living in the home.
People and relatives gave positive responses that told us the staff were kind, caring, respectful and courteous.
Relatives were consulted and kept up to date with any changes or concerns that may affect their family member living in the home. They visited at any time with no restrictions made on when they arrived.
The GP, who attended the home regularly praised the staff team for their kindness and consideration when supporting someone at the end of their life.
Care plans that were regularly updated, were detailed, and had been centred on meeting the care needs of the person the care plan belonged to. Some records identified people’s individual care needs and social interests but this information had not been used to offer person centred care or suitable stimulation and occupation for individuals who did not or could not join in the group activity on offer.
People and their relatives had information on how to complain. They felt able to speak to the manager when they had a concern and were assured the concern would be dealt with appropriately.
Ideas and suggestions for improving the home were listened to and action was being taken to develop areas such as the environment.
People and their relatives were asked for their views on the quality of the service provided and the manager ensured regular audits were completed to monitor the delivery of the care and support provided.
Concerns raised in the past had been acted upon and improvement in areas such as healthcare support was much improved.
The manager was proactively working with other agencies and professionals by working on improvements within the home for the benefit of people using this service. However, further improvements were still to be completed to ensure a quality service was provided.