7 May 2014
During a routine inspection
We saw people's privacy and dignity were respected at all times. We saw and heard that staff spoke to people in a way that demonstrated respect for the people they cared for. One visiting health care professional said, 'When I visit I can be 100% sure that the staff know the full details of the person I have come to see'. One person who used the service said, 'This is my home- they check on me all the time, which I'm pleased about'.
We considered our inspection findings to answer 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?
People were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the people who received care at the home and people were able to say they felt safe living at Sunnymeade. Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff had completed training and understood how to safeguard the people they supported from abuse.
Staff training records contained all mandatory courses as required. For example staff had completed training in health and safety and Dementia care. This meant the provider could demonstrate that the staff employed to work at the home had the skills and experience needed to support the people who received care in the home.
CQC is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and to report on what we find. The DoLS apply to care homes and hospitals. No application had needed to be submitted.
Is the service effective?
People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in writing and signing their agreements to the care plans where possible. Specialist dementia advisors, mobility support and equipment needs had been identified in care plans when required.
The visitor and professionals we spoke with were able to confirm that they were able to see people in private and that visiting times were flexible.
The staff spoken with had a clear understanding of the care and support needs of the people living in the home. The relative spoken with said, 'The care mum receives is great - I am so pleased she lives here'.
The home had been award the 'Dementia Quality Mark'. This was a locally recognised award for the home that had made a, 'commitment to year on year improvements in the care it provides to people with dementia'.
Is the service caring?
Those people who were able to talk with us said that they were supported by kind and attentive staff. We observed that the staff showed patience when supporting people, particularly if people became confused.
People using the service had completed questionnaires on their satisfaction of the service provided. Residents' meetings were held to discuss and raise any shortfall identified. One person said, 'Carers check us overnight-this makes me feel safe' and another said, 'Couldn't be in a better place'.
All the people who used the service and the visitors we spoke with told us that they felt that staff were kind and caring. People told us that they were happy with the care and support that had been delivered and their needs had been met.
Is the service responsive?
Regular activities were arranged within the home including a weekly trip out. On the day of our inspection this was to a local tourist attraction. We observed people preparing to go out and comments from people as they were boarding the bus were, 'Can't wait', 'They have so many trips 'it's wonderful' and 'I am really looking forward to this trip-we always have a cup of tea and cakes!'
We looked at how complaints had been dealt with and we found that the responses had been open, thorough, and timely. People could therefore be assured that complaints were investigated and action is taken as necessary.
Is the service well-led?
The service worked in partnership with key organisations, including the local authority and safeguarding teams to support care provision and service development.
The registered provider was in the home each day and was actively involved in how the home ran, including assisting on the trip.
Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and quality assurance processes were in place. Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. All the people spoken with were happy with the staff working in the home.