During our visit we spoke with a number of people using the service. They told us that they were able to make decisions about their lives and that they were treated with respect by staff working at the home. They said; 'I can choose exactly what I want to do'. People living at the home also told us; 'The staff are very respectful and very kind'.People told us that they had made an informed decision to move to the home. All but two people spoken with told us that their relatives had visited the home on their behalf. One person said; 'I think we made the right decision, you couldn't find a better home'.
People told us that they had regular meetings with the registered manager who kept them up to date with events at the home. Each person spoken with spoke highly of the registered manager and staff at the home. They said; 'we always know what is going on'.
We looked at a number of care plans and were able to see that people using the service are involved in the care planning process. Care plans had been signed by the individual and/or their representatives.
Each person spoken with confirmed that they were satisfied with the care and support they received; 'I feel very well cared for and always know the staff will help me when I need it'.
We found the atmosphere in the home to be 'relaxed' and 'inclusive'. People appeared relaxed in the presence of staff and communication was noted to be kind and respectful.
Each person spoken with during our visit was very complimentary about the meals and choices available to them. They told us; 'the food here is really excellent', 'there is always plenty to eat and meals are always nicely presented'.
People told us that they were offered meal choices and that staff were aware of their 'likes and dislikes'. People said; 'the manager comes around each week with a menu and we choose what we would like'. One person showed us their menu choices for the week and told us; 'we are all given this so that we can see what we have chosen'. They also said; 'you can always change your mind if you want to'.
The home ensures that people have access to appropriate health care professionals. People living at the home told us 'They will always get the doctor to visit if you feel poorly'.
The registered manager and staff working at the home told us that they have 'very good' support and input from doctors and specialised health care professionals.
We saw that systems were in place to ensure that people using the service always had sufficient supplies of their prescribed medicines. We were also able to see that regular reviews were taking place with peoples' doctors to ensure that prescribed medicines remain appropriate and effective for the individual. A review was taking place during our visit.
People were confident that they received their medicines at the correct times. They said; 'The staff are very good and always make sure I have my tablets', 'The staff look after my medicines and they make sure I get my painkillers at the right time'.
During our visit we were able to observe a senior carer administering the lunch time medicines to people in a safe and appropriate manner.
During our visit we viewed all communal areas and a selection of bedrooms and we found the standard of cleanliness to be good with no malodours.
We were able to see that staff had access to a good supply of protective equipment such as 'single use' gloves and aprons.
Liquid soap, paper towels and hand sanitising gels are appropriately sited throughout the home. This minimises the risk of cross infection and of the spread of infection.
The home is conveniently situated in the heart of the small town of Cheddar which allows people easy access to local amenities. The home has beautiful and well maintained gardens and the majority of peoples' private accommodation looks out onto the gardens.
Accommodation is set out in three 'units' which are all in close proximity to each other. The main house is a Grade II listed Georgian property which has been tastefully restored to provide 'gracious' living. Furniture, d'cor and fixtures are of a very high standard and are in keeping with the Georgian period of the house.
The main house has 12 spacious bedrooms all of which are fitted with en-suite toilet and bathing facilities. A stair lift is fitted to the stairs to assist those with mobility difficulties.
The 'Courtyard' consists of six rooms at ground floor level. These provide spacious accommodation for those who require a greater degree of independence. All are fitted with en-suite and kitchenette facilities.
The 'Cottage' can accommodate up to eight people. Communal areas include a very pleasant lounge and conservatory/dining area. All bedrooms are fitted with en-suite and kitchenette facilities. A stair lift is installed and all areas are fitted with a nurse call system.
Bedrooms are completely refurbished each time they become vacant.
People bring their own personal possessions with them and this allows people to make their private space as homely as possible.
Bedrooms are fitted with a lock, which can be over ridden by staff in
the event of an emergency.
People spoken with were very positive about the home and of their bedrooms. They said; 'living in the courtyard allows me to feel more independent, I am very happy here', 'It was hard leaving my home but this feels like home from home', 'this is a beautiful home and I am so happy that I could bring my own furniture with me'.
We looked at the home's procedures for the recruitment of staff and found that 'robust' procedures were being followed which reduce the risk of harm or abuse to people using the service.
We were able to see that staff do not commence employment at the home until all required checks and documentation have been received. Applicants are also required to complete a satisfactory interview and health check.
Although not involved in the recruitment of staff, people using the service commented on the kindness of staff working at the home. They said: 'The staff couldn't be kinder'; 'They know us all so well and will do anything for you'.
We noted a good staff presence throughout our visit and people told us 'there is always someone about to help you'.
The atmosphere in the home was noted to be relaxed and we observed staff spending quality time with people.
The home ensure that newly appointed staff complete a period of induction so that they have the skills and training needed to enable them to meet the needs of people living at the home.
Staff working at the home receive regular supervisions and appraisals and this helps to ensure that staff are appropriately supported and that any training needs can be identified.
People living the home told us that they had the opportunity to attend regular meetings. They told us; 'the manager keeps us well informed and we can ask him about anything'.
During our visit we asked people if they would feel confident in raising concerns if they had any. People told us, 'Yes, I would always tell someone if I had any concerns or worries', 'I don't have any worries at all', 'I would be more than confident if I wasn't happy about things'.
Staff spoken with during our visit knew what to do if a person using the service or a visitor raised concerns about the care they received or the service provision.