14 and 16 April 2015
During a routine inspection
Gordena Care Home provides accommodation, personal care and support for up to 9 people. There was one vacancy at the time of the visit. People who live at the home have a learning disability. There were seven single bedrooms and one shared bedroom. The kitchen and dining room were situated on the third floor which was accessed by stairs. There was a stair lift that could be used by people if required to reach the second floor where the lounge was situated.
There was a registered manager in post. The registered manager was also one of the owners of the business. 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
This was an unannounced inspection, which meant the staff and the provider did not know we would be visiting. The inspection was carried out by one inspector on the 14 and 16 April 2015.
People were protected from the risk of abuse because there were clear procedures in place to recognise and respond to abuse and staff had been trained in how to follow the procedures. Systems were in place to ensure people were safe including risk management, checks on the environment and safe recruitment processes. People received their medicines safely.
People’s views were sought through care reviews, house meetings and surveys. People’s views were acted upon. Systems were in place to ensure that complaints were responded to with action taken to improve the service provided.
People were involved in making decisions about their care. People had a care plan that clearly described how they wanted to be supported. People had opportunities to take part in activities both in the home and the local community. People were encouraged to be independent. Some people could access the community on their own whilst others required staff support. Some people managed their own finances. Other health and social care professionals were involved in the care of the people living at Gordena Care Home.
Staff were knowledgeable about the people they were supporting and spoke about them in a caring way. Staff had received suitable training for them to deliver safe and effective care. Staff told us they were supported in their role and met with the registered manager regularly to discuss their performance and any training needs.
The service was well led. There was evidence that learning took place from incidents, accidents and complaints. The provider was a member of various organisations which ensured they were kept up to date with any changing legislation relevant to the care industry. They completed regular checks on the systems that were in operation in the home to ensure they were effective. The organisation’s values and philosophy were clearly explained to staff and there was a positive culture where people felt included, and their views were sought. There was an emphasis on Gordena Care Home being people’s own home.