During this inspection we spoke with eight people who used the service and four relatives. Some people who were using the service had dementia care needs which meant they were unable to tell us their views. We used a number of different methods to help us understand their experiences. We considered all the evidence we gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask;
' 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. If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.
Is the service caring?
People described the service they received as 'wonderful' and 'lovely'. One person told us, 'I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. We're well looked after and the staff are lovely and kind.'
People were supported by calm and attentive staff. We saw that care workers were respectful and courteous when supporting people. We saw people were able to enjoy their meals at their own pace. We saw staff spent time chatting with people about their interests in a warm and engaging manner.
In discussions staff were knowledgeable about people's individual needs and preferences and were respectful of their diverse needs. Our observations of the care provided and discussions with people showed us that individual wishes for care and support were taken into account.
Is the service responsive?
There was a visible staff presence throughout the home. Staff spent time with people in the lounges so they could make sure people got support whenever they needed it.
People told us they could join in a range of activities if they wanted. The daily activities included group events and others that met people's individual interests, for example walks along the seafront and shopping trips.
People and visitors told us they could approach the manager at any time if they wanted to discuss anything and felt they were listened to.
Is the service safe?
People and their relatives said they had 'no concerns' about the service. A visiting relative told us, 'The staff are very caring. I can leave here and know she's safe and well cared for.'
People were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. The premises were safe, well maintained and clean.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. The manager understood the home's responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The manager was aware of the recent court ruling regarding DoLS in care settings, and training from the local authority was planned for the near future. The home had contacted the local authority about the needs of two people who may require applications for deprivation of liberty authorisation.
Is the service effective?
People felt the service met their individual needs and preferences. The care provided was person-centred and individual to meet each person's needs. For example one person wanted to go out frequently and this was supported by staff who took her for walks several times a day.
A visiting relative told us, 'It's not like a big organisation where everyone gets the same thing. The staff here are really interested in people's individual like and dislikes.'
Relatives commented positively on the way this home helped people to lead their own lifestyles in a family-type environment whilst supporting them with their care needs.
Is the service well-led?
The home had a registered manager who had been managing the home for several years. People and their visitors told us they had confidence in the management of the home and felt the manager was 'approachable' and listened to their views.
The provider had operated this home for many years and visited the home on a daily basis to check the quality of the service it provided. The way the service was run was regularly reviewed.
People had confidence in the way the home was run. One relative commented, 'The manager and deputy are smashing and it's very well run.' Another visitor told us, 'The owners are a family and they run this home like a friendly family home.'