16 July 2014
During a routine inspection
' 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?
The service was undergoing some minor refurbishment at the time of our visit. We saw that risk assessments had been carried out to ensure the safety of people who lived at the home during this work. Equipment in use in the home was being routinely serviced and one item had recently been replaced with a new and better model.
Staff had been trained in the policies and procedures to do with keeping people safe from harm and these were being actively discussed in their one to one meetings. They demonstrated a good understanding of what to look for and how to respond to signs of abuse.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. Following a recent court ruling regarding depriving people of their liberty in care settings the manager had started to review the living arrangements of individual people, to identify where their circumstances may amount to a deprivation of liberty, according to the revised definition.
Is the service effective?
People and relatives told us they were happy with the care that had been delivered and needs had been met. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of people's care and support needs and that they knew them well. Staff had received training to meet the needs of the people living at the the home.
Is the service caring?
People told us they were happy with the care provided at the home. One person said, "It's marvellous here, really so friendly. The staff are wonderful, it's such a nice atmosphere. I have come on a long way since coming here." A relative told us, "I am very involved and they are really on the ball here. If a GP is needed for example, they are straight on to it and they ring me up to keep me up to date as soon as anything happens." We saw people were supported by kind and attentive staff. A visitor told us, "I am reassured every time I come here, they are so caring."
Is the service responsive?
People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home. Where people's needs required a change in care delivery this was arranged. Records confirmed people's preferences and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes. The home encouraged and supported people to maintain contact with friends and relatives.
Is the service well led?
In this report the name of a registered manager appears who was not in post and not managing the regulatory activities at this location at the time of the inspection. Their name appears because they were still registered as manager on our register at the time. The new manager had applied to us for registration and was awaiting confirmation of the outcome of her application. Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities and felt supported in these. People's relatives told us they were informed and consulted about the care being delivered. Quality assurance processes were in place and new ones were being developed.