Deerlands is purpose built and registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 40 older people. One corridor of the home is dedicated to supporting people living with dementia. The home is situated in the Parsons Cross area of Sheffield, close to local amenities and bus routes. All accommodation is based on the ground floor. All of the bedrooms are single and communal lounges and dining rooms are provided. The home has an enclosed garden. A car park is available.
There was a manager at the service who was registered with CQC. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run. The registered manager was not present during this inspection. The deputy manager was available and in charge of the home at the time of our visit.
Our last inspection at Deerlands took place on 8 October 2013. The home was found to be meeting the requirements of the regulations we inspected at that time.
This inspection took place on 28 July 2015 and was unannounced. This means the provider did not know we were going to carry out the inspection. On the day of our inspection there were 37 people living at Deerlands.
People spoken with were positive about their experience of living at Deerlands. They told us they felt safe and staff were “smashing”. They told us they could talk to staff and if they had any worries or concerns they would be listened to. Comments included, “I am home here. I am very happy, clean, warm, well fed and amongst friends” and “We are all looked after, they [staff] are lovely.”
Relatives spoken with had no concerns regarding their loved ones care. They told us staff always kept them up to date with any news and they were always made to feel welcome at Deerlands.
One healthcare professional spoken with also made positive comments. They told us they had no concerns about Deerlands and it was “A good home.”
We found systems were in place to make sure people received their medicines safely.
Staff recruitment procedures were thorough and ensured people’s safety was promoted.
Staff were provided with relevant induction and training to make sure they had the right skills and knowledge for their role. Staff understood their role and what was expected of them. They were happy in their work, motivated and confident in the way the service was managed. The service followed the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) Code of practice and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). This helped to protect the rights of people who may not be able to make important decisions themselves.
People had access to a range of health care professionals to help maintain their health. A varied and nutritious diet was provided to people that took into account dietary needs and preferences so their health was promoted and choices could be respected.
People living at the home, and their relatives said they could speak with staff if they had any worries or concerns and they would be listened to.
We saw people participated in a range of daily activities both in and outside of the home which were meaningful and promoted independence.
There were effective systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided. Regular checks and audits were undertaken to make sure full and safe procedures were adhered to. People using the service and their relatives had been asked their opinion via surveys, the results of these had been audited to identify any areas for improvement any actions were addressed.