During our inspection we looked for the answers to five questions; Is the service caring?
Is the service responsive?
Is the service safe?
Is the service effective?
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 who used the service, their relatives, staff supporting them and from looking at records.
Is the service safe?
People were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. People told us they felt safe in the home. We found safeguarding procedures to be robust and staff could tell us how they safeguarded people they supported. The manager set the staff rota taking into consideration care needs when making decisions about numbers and qualifications.
The home had proper policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). We spoke with the manager who told us they were aware how to make a referral and to understand the reason for it.
Is the service effective?
Peoples' health care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in the writing of their care plans. Specialist equipment such as assistive technology was used to help people to become aware of dangers. Their care plans provided details of how staff should use this effectively.
Is the service caring?
We saw people were supported by kind, attentive staff. We observed staff showed patience and offered encouragement when supporting people. People told us they liked the staff and had a good relationship with them. People using the service had the option of filling in a satisfaction survey however people told us if they did not like something they would tell the staff directly.
People's preferences, likes, dislikes and aspirations had been recorded so that support could be provided in a way that respected peoples wishes.
Is the service responsive?
People completed a range of activities in and outside of the home on a regular basis. People made use of local transport to keep them involved in their local community.
People told us they knew how to make a complaint if they needed to. People said although they had not had to complain, they felt all concerns would be taken seriously.
Is the service well-led?
We found the service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care and support in a joined up way.
The home had a quality assurance system in place, records seen by us showed shortfalls were addressed promptly. As a result, the quality of the service was continuingly improving.