11, 12 June 2014
During a routine inspection
Is the service safe?
People were cared for in an environment that was safe, clean and hygienic. Members of the management team were on duty throughout the day. There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the people living at Tate Lodge.
Staff personnel files contained all the information required by the Health and Social Care Act 2008. This meant that the provider was able to demonstrate that staff employed at the service were suitable and had the skills and experience needed to support the people living at Tate Lodge.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to residential services and care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted, appropriate policies and procedures were in place. Records we reviewed confirmed that staff had been trained to understand the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Is the service effective?
People told us that they were happy living at Tate Lodge and felt their needs were being met. It was clear from what we saw and from speaking with staff that they understood people's individual support needs. One person told us, "I'm alright here; I get on with all the lads." Records confirmed that staff had received training to meet the needs of the people living at the service.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw staff were patient and gave encouragement when supporting people. People told us they were able to do things at their own pace and in their own way. Our observations confirmed this.
Is the service responsive?
People's needs had been assessed before they moved into Tate Lodge. People told us that they met with their key worker once a week to talk about what they wanted to do, plan their menu for the week and discuss what was important to them. Records confirmed that people's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided that met their wishes. People had access to activities that were important to them and had been supported to maintain and develop relationships outside of the service.
Is the service well-led?
Systems were in place for assessing and monitoring the quality of the service. These included regular checks on aspects of the service and seeking the views of people who lived at the home and the views of their relatives. The service was managed in a way that ensured people's health, safety and welfare were protected and the interests of the people who lived at the home was at the centre of how the service was run and managed.