One inspector carried out this inspection. The focus of the inspection was to answer five key questions; is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?Below is a summary of what we found. People who lived there were not able to communicate verbally and so we spent time speaking with relatives and staff, reviewing records and observing people in the home.
If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.
This is a summary of what we found:
Is the service safe?
People were cared for in an environment that was safe, clean and hygienic. Equipment at the home had been well maintained and serviced regularly. There were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the people who lived at the home and a member of the management team was available on call in case of emergencies. A family member said, "[My relative] is very well cared for and I am very, very pleased with their care."
Staff records demonstrated that mandatory training was up to date and that staff were trained sufficiently to meet the complex needs of people who lived there. Staff were trained in caring for people with dysphasia, epilepsy, complex communication needs and learning disabilities.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and how to submit one.
Is the service effective?
A relative told us that staff had managed their family member's condition well and that they were also happy with the level of support shown to them during visits. 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. People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care safely and to an appropriate standard. Staff had received training to meet the needs of the people living at the home and told us that they were able to put their training into practice.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. Staff took into account the complex needs of people when planning activities so that they could take part safely. We found that staff had learned to interpret the needs and wishes of people by studying non-verbal communication methods and taking into account the advice of family members and medical professionals. Staff said that they were very happy with the level of professional and emotional support they received from the manager.
Is the service responsive?
People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home and these were enhanced by the regular review of needs assessments and when needed the prompt setting up of an urgent medication plan when people moved in. People's preferences and interests were acted on by staff who used communication tools provided by involved health professionals to understand non-verbal communication. People had access to activities that were designed to stimulate them and help them to achieve personal goals such as the provision of a specialist sensory room to help them relax. We found that care was delivered using individual health action plans which helped people to make progress towards personal goals such as to maintain good health.
Is the service well led?
Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and robust quality assurance processes were in place. A relative told us that the manager was friendly and had improved the quality of care significantly. Food was prepared freshly on site by staff who were trained to be able to meet the complex nutritional needs of people. Some people who lived there were given nutrition through feeding tubes, which staff had been trained to use. Staff told us that they were clear about their roles and responsibilities and that management support was of a high standard and helped them to do their job effectively.