6, 13 August 2014
During a routine inspection
The focus of the inspection was to answer five key questions; is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?
Is the service safe?
People had individual risk assessments. Where a risk or need had been identified, there was a written plan to inform staff as to how to reduce the risk. We saw people had access to medical support as necessary. People were not protected by the service's medicines procedures and medicine records were not maintained.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. We found staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and how to submit one. There were proper policies and procedures in place and these had been followed.
Is the service effective?
We observed people were happy with the care they received and they told us they were happy. It was clear from what we saw and from speaking with staff they understood people's care and support needs and they knew them well.
Is the service caring?
We observed that staff had a good understanding of people's support needs. They were supportive and were available when people needed them.
Is the service responsive?
Records showed people's preferences and interests had been recorded and care and support had been provided to meet their wishes. People were supported to maintain and increase their independence.
Is the service well-led?
There was a general lack of auditing of records within the service. There were insufficient systems to record, monitor, evaluate and improve the service, care and support that people received.