Archived: Hamilton Rest Home

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service well led?

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service and the staff supporting them, and from looking at records.

The detailed evidence supporting our summary can be read in our full report.

Is the service safe?

The care records showed that people's health was regularly assessed and monitored to ensure their health and welfare was protected.

The care staff we spoke with showed they had a very good understanding of the needs of the people they were looking after.

We visited one person in their bedroom to see how they were being looked after. They looked well cared for and we saw that appropriate equipment was in place to meet their needs and to care for them safely.

People were provided with a choice of suitable and nutritious food and drinks to ensure their nutritional needs were met. People we spoke with told us, 'The food is beautiful and plenty of it' and 'We don't need to ask for second helpings as we always get enough'.

Systems were in place to help ensure the manager and staff learnt from events such as accidents and complaints.

Is the service caring?

People's care records showed their preferences, likes and dislikes had been clearly documented and their care and support had been provided in accordance with their wishes.

One person we spoke with told us, 'OK does not even come into it; it is the best care ever. I have been in many care homes as a visitor and let me tell you, this is the best. There are no frills but it is wonderful'.

During the inspection we found there was a very relaxed atmosphere and lots of friendly banter between the staff and the people using the service.

Staff were very good at caring for people who were very ill and at the end of their life. We were told some of the care staff were undertaking training in The Six Steps to Success programme. This programme aims to enhance 'end of life care' for people.

Is the service effective?

People were assessed by a senior member of staff from the home before they were admitted to ensure their individual needs could be met.

Pressure relieving equipment was in place to aid comfort and help in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.

To ensure that safe and effective care was provided, staff continued to update their skills and knowledge with regular training.

Is the service responsive?

Information in the care records showed the staff at the home involved other healthcare professionals in the care and support of people using the service.

Suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that information was passed on when a person was transferred to another service, such as a hospital.

The provider had a clear procedure in place with regards to responding to any complaints and concerns made.

Is the service well led?

Arrangements were in place to ensure that people using the service were cared for by staff who were properly trained, supported and supervised.

There were a number of quality assurance systems in place to ensure people were cared for safely. Feedback was sought from people using the service through meetings and annual questionnaires.

Staff we spoke with were aware of their roles and responsibilities and felt supported by management.

The service worked in partnership with other agencies to help support care provision.

Systems were in place to help protect people by ensuring that staff were suitably trained in the safeguarding of vulnerable people.

The medication system was safe and people received their medicines safely and as prescribed.

One person living at the home who told us 'I'm quite happy living here' and 'I get on with all the staff'.

A relative of two people living at the Hamiltons said she was 'very happy' with the home and described it as 'very homely'.

A district nurse visiting told us 'there always seems to be enough staff to help us when we need it' and that 'staff will follow up on any instructions where necessary'.

We also spoke with care staff working there and reviewed four peoples' care files. We toured round the premises and observed lunchtime.

We received positive feedback from all those spoken with about the care and support given to people living at the home. No issues were identified about how people were cared for.

There were no clear procedures in place about how the home sought consent from people about their care and support.

The provider had taken steps to make sure the premises were safe and suitable for people living there. One bathroom was in need of refurbishment.

The care records maintained for each person were not always accurate. Care files inspected did not always include appropriate information in relation to the care and treatment provided to people.

There were sufficient staff on duty to support people with their needs.

A clear procedure was in place for dealing with complaints. No complaints had been received within the last 12 months.