Archived: Oaklands Care Home

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

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

Is the service safe?

Staff supervisions, appraisals and training were up to date. Staff we spoke with were very knowledgeable on how to meet people's needs.

People we spoke with told us the home was always very clean and the domestic staff worked very hard. One relative told us, 'I always find the home to be very clean, there are never any odours and my relatives' room is very clean.'

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs were reviewed, and most people if they wished were involved in the reviews.

We observed activities on-going during our visit people were engaging in the activity and enjoying it. People were laughing and joking together. One person told us, 'I enjoy the activities; the activity person is very good. We have bingo this afternoon.'

Is the service caring?

We observed care workers interacted positively with people who used the service. Staff showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. One person we spoke with told us, 'The staff are lovely they look after us and respect my wishes and my choices.' Another person said, 'I am happy her, food good, garden nice, staff lovely.'

A relative told us, 'They look after people very well, my relative is always well presented and comfortable.'

Is the service responsive?

The manager and regional manager had identified issues and areas that required improvements and had implemented systems to ensure the service was improved.

At the time of our visit redecoration was in progress in one area of the home as this had been identified as needing improvement.

Is the service well-led?

Staff told us they worked very well as a team. They told us they had regular meeting ensuring communication was good.

Staff told us they received regular supervision and could at any time raise any concerns or ideas and they were listened to.

People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. People told us staff cared for them appropriately. One person said "They (the staff) care for me properly and that's what counts."

There were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people's needs. People we spoke with confirmed staff were meeting their care needs. One person told us "They could do with more staff. But they do a wonderful job." Another person said "There is always someone available. They come quickly when I call. If they're busy they let you know."

The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people received. People we spoke with told us they had residents' meetings fairly regularly and could raise concerns with the manager or staff and these would be acted upon.

People were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment because accurate and appropriate records were maintained. Most people we spoke with told us they were aware of and could access and contribute to their care records.

People were provided with a choice of suitable and nutritious food and drink. People confirmed the food was good and they had plenty of choice. People were supported to be able to eat and drink sufficient amounts to meet their needs. We saw people who required assistance to eat and drink were supported appropriately.

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. We found the home was clean and well maintained. Staff were able to demonstrate knowledge and awareness of their responsibilities for infection prevention and control.

There were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people's needs. During our inspection we observed staff were able to meet people's needs in a timely way.

People were given support by the staff to make a comment or a complaint to the manager. People we spoke with confirmed they could raise any concerns with staff and these would be acted on.