Archived: Mrs Mary Catherine Webster - 45 Watson Road

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, the staff supporting them and from looking at records. We also spoke with Blackpool council's contracts monitoring team and Healthwatch Blackpool who are an independent consumer champion for health and social care.

If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read our full report.

Is the service safe?

People told us they felt safe and their rights and dignity was respected. They told us they were receiving safe and appropriate care which was meeting their needs. Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff understood how to safeguard people they supported. The home had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made and in how to submit one. This meant that people would be safeguarded as required.

The service was safe, clean and hygienic. Equipment had been maintained and serviced regularly ensuring people were not put at unnecessary risk. People living at the home told us they were happy and well looked after.

Is the service effective?

There was an advocacy service available if people needed it, this meant that when required people could access additional support. People's health and care needs had been assessed with them, and they were involved in writing their plans of care. Specialist dietary needs had been identified where required. Care plans had risk assessments completed to identify the potential risk of accidents and harm. Staff members we spoke with confirmed guidance was provided to ensure they provided safe and appropriate care. We found the care plans were flexible, regularly reviewed for their effectiveness and changed in recognition of the changing needs of the person. People spoken with said their care plans were up to date and reflected their current needs.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. People we spoke with were very happy with the care being provided. One person said, 'I have no complaints about my care. I am really happy living here. I am out five days a week working on community projects and I am starting a computer class this afternoon'. Another person said, "I am very happy here. I continue to work part time and keep myself busy. I attend the gym twice a week and also go swimming. We have a group holiday in Keswick planned in May. I am really looking forward to it'. Care plans had been maintained recording the care and support people were receiving. Good care practices were observed and people told us they were happy with the support they were receiving.

Is the service responsive?

We found people completed a range of activities in and outside the service regularly. These included working part time, working on community projects, attending a gymnasium, computer and art classes, days out and group holidays. People we spoke with said they were kept busy and entertained and they were very happy. People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. They all told us they had no reason to complain. We found people had access to healthcare professionals. People attended annual health checks with their General Practitioner and the outcome of these visits were recorded on their care records.

Is the service well-led?

The service had quality assurance systems in place. Records showed that identified problems and opportunities to change things for the better were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuously improving. Staff had a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities. People we spoke with said they received a good quality service at all times.

The people living at this home had been supported by the provider for a number of years. They told us they were happy living in the home and they felt safe and comfortable. They told us they were involved in decision making about their care and their views were always respected.

People told us they enjoyed their meals and they could pursue activities individually and as a family group. One person said, 'I am very happy here. I continue to work part time and keep myself busy. I attend the gym twice a week and also go swimming. We have just come back from a group holiday in the Lakes. We had a great time'. Another person said, 'It's great here. We all get on very well. The meals are very good and we get plenty to eat. I am supported to undertake all sorts of activities including attending the gym and shopping. I am going out this morning shopping'.

During our inspection we contacted the Blackpool contracts monitoring team. They told us they currently had no concerns with the service being provided by the home.

"I am very happy with my care. I love being able to help around the home. It helps to keep me active".

"We have just returned from a holiday in the Lake District. We had a really good time and visited lots of places of interest. We are already planning another holiday".

I like spending time in my room. I have access to the internet and enjoy playing computer games".

"Never had any reason to complain about anything. The meals are good and we get plenty to eat. Robert and his staff are great. We all get on really well".

We also spoke with Blackpool council contracts monitoring team. They told us they hadn't identified any concerns with the service during their last visit.