This inspection took place on 5 and 10 May 2016 and was unannounced. The inspection took place over two days. The team consisted of one adult social care inspector. Cheverells Care Home is registered to provide accommodation for 38 older people who require personal care. At the time of our inspection, there were 37 people living there.
The service is owned by two providers; one of whom is the registered manager and the other is the matron.
At the last inspection on 21 and 22 April 2015, four breaches of regulation were found. These were because:
• assessments and care plans were not in place;
• risk assessments were not in place;
• people’s rights under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 had not been adhered to and the correct procedures to deprive people of their liberty had not been taken;
• systems to ensure the safe management of the service were not in place.
The providers wrote to us with an action plan to say what they would do to meet the breaches of regulation by 30 June 2015. At this inspection, we found they had followed their action plan and met the legal requirements.
One of the providers was also the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the service is run.
People lived in a home where they were relaxed and comfortable. The service was consistently described as homely, friendly and lovely. People said, “I’m happy and I’m looked after”, “It’s always been very good here … love it” and “I couldn’t do their (care staff) job … they are all kind and understanding … you can’t get a better place.”
People received care suitable for their needs with enough staff on duty. Staff knew people well and cared for them as individuals. Two people said, “You can’t find fault with this place … it’s A one … it’s a very good place” and “If you need any help, they (care staff) are always there.”
Care staff were safely recruited. They were trained, motivated and enjoyed their work. They received supervision and felt listened to and supported by the registered manager and provider. Care staff had a good understanding of safeguarding and knew how to recognise the different types of abuse. They knew the correct action to take and who to report any concerns to.
Each person had a care plan with suitable risk assessments in place. Care plans were clear and up to date. Health and social care professionals were involved in people’s care and their advice acted upon. Mental capacity assessments had been carried out and applications made to the local authority if people were deprived of their liberty.
People received their medicines in a safe way. People enjoyed a varied and nutritious diet with a choice of food offered. People enjoyed a range of activities and outings which suited their individual interests and hobbies.
Staff recognised the importance of family and friends who were welcomed at all times. Two relatives said, “Excellent … go above and beyond to meet individual needs … you (providers) provide a caring home where nothing is too much trouble” and “The welcome is wonderful.”
People lived in a home which was well maintained. There were large gardens for people to sit and relax in. People, relatives and health care professionals were very complimentary of Cheverells, the providers and care staff. Two health care professionals said, “I plan to book myself in when the time comes … would be very happy for any of my relatives to live at Cheverells” and “Good care in a friendly well-kept environment.”
There was a complaints policy and procedure in place with information about how to raise concerns or complaint. Systems were in place to assess the quality of the service and make improvements.