8 May 2014
During a routine inspection
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, speaking with the staff and from looking at records. We requested information from the provider and spoke with three community based health care professionals who visited the service on a regular basis.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
People who used the service told us they felt safe. When people were at risk staff followed risk management procedures to protect them. Systems were in place to make sure managers and staff learnt from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations. This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. The home had proper policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and in how to submit one. This meant that people were safeguarded as required.
A member of the management team was available on call in case of emergencies. Staff had received training to meet the needs of the people living at the service.
Is the service effective?
People's health and care needs were assessed with their involvement. Areas of the support required for each person had been identified in care plans. Records, our observations and discussions with staff confirmed that this support was provided.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind and attentive staff. Our discussions with staff on duty and our observations of the care and support provided confirmed this. We saw that care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. People using the service told us "everything's perfect here", "the staff are brilliant- they help me with forms", "my keyworker is a top woman. She really helps me" and "it's fine here- the staff help me with my cleaning."
Is the service responsive?
The service responded quickly when people needed extra support from their health professionals. People had requested a different range of leisure activities and the service responded by arranging them. People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy and had frequently been asked for their views of the service. We saw that the provider used this feedback to improve the service. This meant people could be assured that their views were taken into consideration in regards to the running of the service.
Is the service well-led?
The service was well- led. The provider visited the service often and followed up on any quality issues identified. The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way. Recruitment was underway for a new home manager and the service was being managed by an experienced senior support worker when we visited.