As part of our inspection, we spoke with four people who used the service, the manager and three staff working at the service. We also spoke with one person's relative. We observed people receiving support and looked at the care records for three people. We considered our inspection findings to answer the 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 it safe?
The people we spoke with told us that they felt safe and secure. One person said, 'I know I can talk with the manager if I have any problems.' One relative said, 'My family member is safe there.' Assessments of any potential risks to people had been carried out and measures put in place to reduce the risks. This meant that people were protected from the risk of harm.
People were protected from the risk of abuse as staff were able to describe the different types of abuse people might experience and they had received appropriate training.
The provider and staff recognised their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and had taken action to ensure that 'best interest' decisions had been taken where necessary. The MCA provides a legal framework about decision making and having capacity means being able to make your own decisions. The provider had made an appropriate submission for a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards are in place to minimise the risks of people being unlawfully deprived of their liberty in order to ensure their safety
Procedures for dealing with emergencies were in place and staff were able to describe these to us.
Is it effective?
People we spoke with told us, and our observations confirmed, that people were happy and confident living at St. Albans House. One person said, 'I like it here.' We saw people smiling and talking confidently with staff about the activities they had been doing during the day. Staff who worked at the service told us they really enjoyed their job, that they had received good training and were well supported by the management team.
It was clear from our observations, and from our conversations with staff and the manager, that staff knew people's needs well. Care plans gave staff detailed guidance about the ways in which each person's needs should be met. This included information and guidance on how to support people to maintain a nutritious and well-balanced diet
Is it caring?
We saw that staff people related well with the staff, who supported them in a professional way, with respect and in a kind and friendly manner. We saw that personal care was offered in a way which ensured that people's privacy and dignity were respected and also respected each person's preference for how their care was provided. One person's relative said, 'I am very happy with the care. They look after my family member very well.'
We observed that people's views were listened to. The staff we spoke with had a thorough understanding of the complex needs of the people who used the service and demonstrated a desire to support each person to enjoy a good quality of life.
Is it responsive?
People's needs were regularly re-assessed and reviewed by the staff at the home and each person was involved in the review of their care plans. Support plans included people's preferences and their likes and dislikes. This was done to ensure care and support was delivered in the way people wanted it to be.
People participated in a range of activities of their choice, both at the service and in the local community. Staff demonstrated that they provided person centred care and support which fully responded to people's individual needs. This included supporting people to attend appointments and supporting them to engage in activities. People were supported to maintain contact with their relatives. One person's relative said, 'I am happy with the staffing levels. My family member always has one to one support and is out and about everyday.'
Is it well-led?
There was effective leadership in place. This ensured that people's needs were met and that they were kept safe. Staff were well supported. The provider had a range of quality assurance and audit systems in place to ensure that all aspects of the service were monitored and improvements made where necessary.
One person's relative said, 'If anything happens they always tell us. We are always kept well-informed.'
We found that the provider was compliant with the regulations in all the areas we assessed. If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
You can see our judgements on the front page of this report.