25, 28 April 2014
During a routine inspection
If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
The staff that we spoke to understood the procedures they needed to follow to ensure that people were safe. During our inspection we saw that staff delivered the care outlined in people's plans, for example staff ensured people had with them the mobility equipment they needed, such as walking frames, to get around their home. Staff involved people in household tasks ensuring that they followed the risk assessment that was in place to keep the person safe, for example when helping in the kitchen.
We saw that the home was clean and well maintained. There were systems in place for ensuring that the risk of infection in the service was minimised. Staff were provided with the protective equipment they needed such as gloves and aprons.
Procedures for dealing with emergencies were in place and staff were able to describe these to us. Staff had access to support and advice at all times from a senior manager.
Recruitment procedures were rigorous and thorough. All new employees underwent a number of checks to ensure they were safe to work in the service.
The provider and staff understood their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Although no DoLS applications had been made, staff had received training and knew how to submit one if required.
There were systems in place for making regular checks on the safety of the premises and for ensuring that the staff had the required skills and knowledge to care for people in a safe way.
Is the service effective?
People all had an individual care plan which set out their care needs. We saw that people had been fully involved in the assessment of their health and care needs and had contributed to developing their care plan. People's care plans were reviewed regularly to check they were still effective and changes were made as needed. During our inspection we saw staff delivering the care outlined in people's plans. People told us that they got the help they needed, for example to make their meals or have a bath. One person told us 'The staff help me when I need it'.
Is the service caring?
We found that people were treated with respect and their dignity maintained. People appeared relaxed and comfortable with the staff that supported them. We saw that people had a positive relationship with staff and staff took time to chat with them about day to day matters as well as carrying out care tasks.
Is the service responsive?
The service reviewed people's care plans regularly and made changes when their needs changed. When a person had to go into hospital for treatment staff spent time with them drawing up a document about the key areas of their needs and their preferences to ensure they received the care they needed in hospital.
There was always a nominated person in charge of the service who had the required training to make decisions on a day to day basis about people's care. Senior managers were available via telephone for further advice when needed.
Is the service well-led?
The provider continually monitored areas of risk in the service and made regular checks on quality. There was evidence that the provider learnt from incidents that occurred to prevent them from occurring again.
The manager ensured that monthly checks of the quality and safety of the service were carried out. Regular reviews of people's care plans took place to ensure their needs were being met.