This inspection took place on 7 and 8 January 2015 and was unannounced.
Ashby Court Nursing and Residential Care Home is a care home that provides residential and nursing care for up to 60 people. The home specialises in caring for older people including those with physical disabilities, people living with dementia or those who require end of life care. At the time of our inspection there were 54 people in residence.
A registered manager was in post at the time of our inspection. 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 who used the service told us that their care needs had been assessed and they were satisfied with the care and support received. People were well cared for, felt safe with the staff that looked after them and protected them from harm and abuse.
Staff were recruited in accordance with the provider’s recruitment procedures that ensured staff were qualified and suitable to work with people who used the service. People were supported by staff in a timely and sensitive manner because there were sufficient staff on duty that worked in a co-ordinated manner.
People received their medication as prescribed and their medication was stored safely.
People lived in a comfortable, clean and a homely environment that promoted their safety, privacy and wellbeing. All areas of the home could be accessed safely including the outdoor space.
People were supported by staff who had a good understanding of their needs and had received training to carry out their role effectively. Communication between all the staff was good. Staff told us they had access to people’s care records and were supported by the registered manager, which meant all staff were kept up to date as to the needs of people.
The management team and staff knew how to protect people under the Mental Capacity Act, 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard (DoLS). Although best interests meetings took place with the person or their representatives and other healthcare professionals those discussions were not always recorded clearly. The registered manager assured us they would address this immediately. The registered manager told us that they had looked after people who were subject to a DoLS. However, at the time of our inspection visit no one was subject to a DoLS.
People were provided with a choice of meals that met people’s preferences and dietary needs. There were drinks and snacks available throughout the day and night. We saw staff supported people who needed help to eat and drink in a sensitive manner. The catering staff were provided with up to date information about people’s dietary needs and requirements.
People told us that staff treated them with care and compassion. Throughout our inspection we saw people’s dignity and privacy was respected, which promoted their wellbeing.
People were supported by staff and their visitors to take part in hobbies and activities that were of interest to them, including observing their religious beliefs. Visitors were welcome without undue restrictions. This protected people from social isolation.
People were confident to speak with staff if they had any concerns or were unhappy with any aspect of their care. People had access to advocacy services if they needed support to make comments or a complaint. There was a clear management structure and procedures in place to ensure concerns were addressed.
People using the service, their relatives, staff and health and social care professionals were encouraged to develop and share their experience of the service.
Staff were supported and trained for their job roles to ensure their knowledge, skills and practice in the delivery of care was kept up to date. Staff knew they could make comments or raise concerns with the management team about the way the service was run and knew it would be acted on.
The registered manager understood their responsibilities and demonstrated a commitment and clear leadership to continually improve the service. The registered manager was supported by the deputy manager and senior staff. They had an ‘open door’ policy and welcomed feedback from people who used the service, relatives, health and social care professionals and staff. The registered manager works with the commissioners such as the local authority that monitors the service for people they fund to ensure people received care that was appropriate and safe.
There were effective systems in place for the maintenance of the building and equipment which ensured people lived in an environment which was well maintained and safe. Audits and checks were used to ensure people’s safety and their needs were being met. The quality of service provided was monitored and action was taken to address any deficiencies found. The provider’s internal inspections provided further monitoring and assurance that people received quality care.