Archived: Blackrod House

During our visit we spoke to four people who used the service, one visiting relative and eight members of staff.

Our inspection was co-ordinated and carried out by an inspector from the Care Quality Commission who addressed our five standard 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, the staff supporting them and from looking at records.

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

Is the service safe?

We found people were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. People told us they felt safe. Comments included; 'Completely safe and happy.' 'Staff are excellent and I'm happy here.'

We found there were systems in place to ensure that the service and staff learnt from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations. Concerns were addressed at staff supervision or at staff meetings. This reduced risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.

The home had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Though staff had an understanding of the legislation most felt additional training would be beneficial.

The service was clean and hygienic.

Equipment was well maintained and serviced regularly therefore people were not put at any unnecessary risk.

The registered manager sets the staff rotas and ensured suitable number of trained staff were available to meet the needs of people who used the service.

Policies and procedures were in place to make sure that unsafe practice was identified and people were protected.

We found that staff were safely recruited and checks made to ensure they did not present a risk to vulnerable people.

Is the service effective?

We found people's health and care needs were assessed with them, and that they or their representatives had been involved in determining what care and support they needed.

Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required.

People's needs were taken into account with signage and the layout of the service enabling people to move around freely and safely. The premises had been sensitively adapted to meet the needs of people with varying stages of dementia.

Visitors confirmed that they were always made to feel welcome and that visiting times were flexible.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We observed care staff supporting people in a kind and caring manner. people commented; 'The carers are excellent with X.' 'It's alright and we are well looked after and food is good.' 'Quite content, food is excellent and plenty.'

People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.

People who used the service and their relatives completed an annual satisfaction survey. Where shortfalls or concerns were raised these were addressed by the service.

Is the service responsive?

People completed a range of activities in and outside the service regularly. The home employed a member of staff to coordinate activities, entertainment and trips.

People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. The service had procedures in place to deal with complaints.

Is the service well-led?

The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way.

The service had comprehensive quality assurance systems in place. Records seen by us showed that identified shortfalls were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service continuingly improved.

Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities within the home.

We spoke with four people who used the service and comments included: "I am happy here", "I have no complaints, we are looked after fine", "I have nothing but praise for the staff, they do a good job", "I am always asked if I am alright, its the little things that matter, the staff are good" and "We went out on a trip last week, it was smashing".

We found there was appropriate management of the nutritional needs of the people who used the service. When we sampled six care files we noted nutritional assessments had been undertaken. Weights were recorded on a monthly basis.

We found care was provided in an environment that was clean and well organised. Bedrooms and communal areas were free from any malodours. We saw staff had access to appropriate infection control and prevention guidance.

Blackrod House had appropriate systems in place to monitor the quality of the service provided. We found monthly audits were undertaken by the registered manger. A management audit matrix was completed.

We spoke with people who used the service and comments included:

"The girls here are great, everyone is kind and they look after me really well.", "I am happy here, the staff are very nice.", " I am being looked after well."

Since the last inspection the provider had implemented a robust data mangagement system that demonstrated that more effective monitoring of the quality of the service was undertaken. Care plans had been reviewed by the care staff and audited by the provider.

Audits had been carried out of the general environment, along with weekly walk abouts to monitor cleanliness and the general maintenance of the home and indivdual rooms.

We found that record keeping had improved. People's personal records including medical records were accurate and fit for purpose.