During this inspection we set out to answer our five key questions; Is the service caring, responsive, safe, effective and well led? Below is a summary of our findings.
Is the service safe?
By safe, we mean that people are protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Overall staff were able to demonstrate they knew how to support people safely and minimise risk. We found that up to date records were not always maintained, and this may have put people at risk. We saw from the records we reviewed that some of the staff had received training in the protection of vulnerable adults. Staff we spoke with demonstrated their awareness of types of abuse, and explained the process they followed to raise any concerns appropriately.
Is the service effective?
By effective, we mean that people's care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes, and promote a good quality of life which is evidence-based where possible. We reviewed the care records for the three people who lived at Brookdene house, and we found that they contained person centred information, which enabled staff to care for people effectively, and supported them where possible to retain as much independence as possible. Evidence of people' consent was not always evident, because the provider did not have a policy for obtaining consent, in relation to the care, treatment and support people received.
Is the service caring?
By caring, we mean that staff involved and treated people with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect. People were supported by staff who knew them well and were able to care for them in an individualised way. We saw that the staff were approachable and showed patience and understanding with people who used the service.
Is the service responsive?
By responsive, we mean that services are organised so that they meet people's needs. We observed the staff to be responsive when interacting with people. Staff were aware of people's needs and responded appropriately when people requested help.
Is the service well-led?
By well-led we mean that the leadership, management and governance of the organisation assured the delivery of high-quality person-centred care, which supports learning and innovation, and promotes an open and fair culture. We found that improvements were required in the overall management and day to day running of the home. We spoke to the manager about this. The manager told us that they were aware that things needed to be more 'organised' and that this inspection had been useful in identifying some of the day to day shortcomings.
You can see our judgements on the front page of this report.