This inspection took place on 12 January 2017 and was unannounced. At our last inspection in December 2015 we found that the provider ‘required improvement’ in two questions, namely safe and well-led and was found to be ‘good’ the remaining three questions effective, caring and responsive.Karam Court Care Home provides accommodation and personal care for up to 47 people with a range of conditions related to old age which may include dementia. There were 41 people living at the service at the time of our inspection.
There was a registered manager in post. 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.
People were supported by staff who were aware of their responsibilities when it came to keeping people safe from harm. Where safeguarding concerns had been raised they had been responded to and acted upon appropriately. Staff were aware of the risks to people on a daily basis and how to manage those risks.
Staffing levels were regularly assessed and staff deployed across the home to ensure people’s care needs were effectively met. Systems were in place to ensure people received their medication safely and effectively.
Staff were provided with induction and training which ensured they had the knowledge and skills they required to carry out their roles and responsibilities. People’s human rights were respected by staff because staff applied the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards in their work practice.
People were supported to have sufficient to eat and drink and maintain a healthy diet. People were offered choices at mealtimes and where assistance with eating their meals was required; this was done discreetly and respectfully. People were supported to access healthcare services in a timely manner to ensure their healthcare needs were met.
People had warm, positive relationships with staff who they described as ‘kind’ and ‘caring’. People felt listened to and were supported to make their own decisions about their care, treatment and support. People’s privacy was respected and they were treated with dignity and respect.
Systems were in place to ensure people received personalised care that was responsive to their needs. Staff were aware of what was important to people, their likes and dislikes and how to respond to them appropriately if they became distressed or upset.
There were a variety of activities taking place for people to enjoy and participate in and people were encouraged to provide feedback on the quality of the service provided. Where complaints had been received, they were investigated in line with the home’s complaints procedure and where appropriate, lessons were learnt.
People considered the service to be well led and were complimentary of the registered manager and the staff group as a whole. The registered manager had a clear vision for the service and the staff group were clearly on board with this. Staff were motivated and enjoyed their work.
Audits were being used to identify areas for improvement across the service and the registered manager continually strived to improve her learning for the benefit of the people living at the home.