This inspection took place on 21 October 2014 and was unannounced. At the last inspection on 6 January 2014 there was a breach in regulation which related to records regarding people’s care and treatment, policies and procedures and staff supervision. The provider sent us an action plan which showed improvements would be made by 28 February 2014 and we found this action had been completed.
Springfields is a small home that provides personal care for up to six people with mental health needs. On the day of our inspection there were six people living in the home. Accommodation is provided in single bedrooms, two of which have ensuite facilities. There is a lounge, dining room, kitchen and laundry as well as bathroom and toilet facilities. There is a garden to the rear of the property.
The home had a registered manager who was also the registered provider. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People told us they felt safe at the home. Staff were trained in safeguarding and understood how to recognise and report any abuse. Staffing levels were sufficient which meant people were supported with their care and enabled to pursue interests of their choice in the community. Staff supported people so that risks were managed with minimal restrictions. Safe systems ensured people received their medicines when they needed them.
No-one at the home was subject to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Staff had been trained and had an awareness of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
People had good relationships with staff, who were kind and caring in their approach. People were given choices in their daily routine and their privacy and dignity was respected. People were supported to be independent in many aspects of their lives, however people’s involvement in decisions about the planning, shopping and preparation of meals was limited. People’s nutritional needs were met and they received the health care support they required.
Staff had a good knowledge and understanding of people’s needs and were trained and supported in their roles. People told us they were happy with the care they received, which we saw was tailored to meet their needs. However, this was not reflected in the care plans we saw which required more information to make sure people received consistent care. People had not been involved in the care planning process which meant their preferences were not recorded.
The registered manager worked alongside staff in the home on a daily basis providing support and guidance. Systems were in place to assess and monitor the quality of the service. Staff told us they felt well supported and said they would be happy for their relative to live in the home.
You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of the report.