11, 12, 16 September 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. Where people required support to take medicines this was managed safely. There were enough staff to support people and appropriate checks were undertaken before staff began work.
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. People and and their representatives had been fully involved in the planning of their care. 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. Staff spoke about and to people in a caring and respectful manner. They knew people well and treated them as individuals.
Is the service responsive?
Records showed people's preferences and interests had been recorded. We found care and support had been provided to meet their wishes. People were supported to maintain and increase their independence. We saw that action had been taken when people's needs changed or their health deteriorated. There was evidence that the organisation responded to concerns and was committed to improving the service.
Is the service well-led?
People were asked their views and these were listened to. The provider had been proactive in making improvements to the service. There were systems to record, monitor, evaluate and improve the service, care and support that people received.