Archived: Ivyhurst

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?

Staff had a good understanding of how to support people in a way that was respectful and maintained their privacy. For example staff always obtained permission before entering a bedroom. They also obtained permission before providing support to the person.

There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the people living at Ivyhurst Close. This meant that people received the support they needed with their personal and health care needs. They also received support to spend their time out and about in their local community engaging in activities and hobbies they enjoyed.

People had been cared for in an environment that was safe, clean and hygienic. Equipment at the home had been well maintained and serviced regularly.

CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place.

Health and safety checks had been carried out regularly to ensure the environment and equipment were safe to use.

Is the service effective?

Relatives told us that they had been happy with the care and support people had received at Ivyhurst Close. Discussions with staff and our observations showed that staff knew people well and were able to respond to their different communication methods. We observed staff had a good understanding of how people made every day choices for themselves and how they communicated. Staff knew how to provide support to people who lacked capacity to make a particular decision. This helps to ensure any decisions made for the person are considered carefully to ensure they are in the person's best interests.

People had received the support they needed to monitor their health and to seek support from health professionals if needed. They had also received support to live the lifestyle of their choice and spend their time engaged in activities and hobbies they enjoyed.

Is the service caring?

People had received the support they needed with their care and welfare needs. We also found that people had received support to lead a lifestyle of their choice and to maintain contact with people who were important to them.

Staff had a good knowledge of people's choices and support needs and were able to communicate well with them. We observed that staff spent a lot of time interacting with people as well as responding to their care and welfare needs. We observed that the people living there responded well to staff and appeared to enjoy their company.

Is the service responsive?

People had received support to maintain relationships with people important to them. Staff had a good understanding of people's preferences and this had been recorded in their care plan. We observed that staff took time to check people agreed with any proposed support and communicated with people in a way they could understand.

Is the service well-led?

Records and files had been well maintained and were up to date. This ensured staff had access to relevant information they may need.

A number of systems were in place to check the quality of the service provided. This included regular audits of health and safety checks, medication and care plans. In addition staff meetings had been held to communicate important information to staff. Audits had been carried out by senior staff from the organisation and an action plan compiled for any areas of improvement.

Relatives told us that they had been consulted regarding the support people needed and staff told us that had the opportunity to express their views to senior staff.

A registered manager has worked at the home for many years. family told us they found her approachable and caring. Staff said she lead an organised service and supported them well.

The people living at Ivyhurst had limited verbal communication but could communicate in a number of other ways. They were supported by their families and people who knew how to communicate with them when decisions needed to be made about their care and welfare. They were represented in their best interests when it was appropriate to do so.

The people who lived at Ivyhurst were cared for by staff who were appropriately recruited, trained and experienced at supporting them. People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines. People's personal records were accurate and fit for purpose.