7 July 2014
During a routine inspection
Is the service safe?
Is the service effective?
Is the service caring?
Is the service responsive?
Is the service well led?
This is a summary of what we found-
Is the service safe?
The care home was safe, clean and hygienic. All equipment, including lifts and hoists, were maintained regularly which helped ensure any risk to people who used the service was minimised.
The Registered Manager was responsible for producing the staff rotas. We were told they were drawn up in accordance with the National Minimum Standards. One staff member told us, "Yes we get busy at times but we always manage without a problem."
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) become important when a person is judged to lack the capacity to make an informed decision related to their care and treatment. The provider told us no applications for DoLS had been made but knew the procedure to be followed if an application needed to be made.
Is the service effective?
From the care plans we observed, we saw evidence that all people who used the service had undergone a pre-admission assessment. This helped ensure their care needs and choices had been recorded and their support was provided in accordance with their wishes. When possible, family members had attended the assessments.
We were shown a lounge area where people could meet in private if they wished to. One family visitor told us, "We can come in any time and visit. We can use the communal lounge or go up to the bedroom."
Is the service caring?
People who used the service had their needs met by staff members in a patient and unhurried manner. We saw people being helped between rooms and also at meal times if assistance was required. One person told us, "The staff could not do any more for us."
We saw staff members sitting down with people and took time to listen to them. Staff took part in social activities with people who used the service. In the afternoon we saw a card making session took place in the dining area. One person told us," One of the girls took me out this morning. I really enjoyed it."
Is the service responsive?
People who used the service took part in regular community activities. Gardening sessions were held regularly and were run by various organisations that were based in the local community. People had their religious needs met in accordance with their wishes. Regular service were held at the care home but if a person decided to attend the local church, they would be supported to do so.
There was a comprehensive complaints system at the care home. Copies of the complaints procedure were observed in people`s rooms. The Registered Manager told us, "My door is always open and people can come in anytime and talk to me."
Is the service well-led?
The care home had a quality assurance system which monitored the quality of service being provided to people who used the service. We saw evidence of internal and external audits that had been completed and any shortfalls had been addressed.
We saw evidence of regular meetings for people who used the service and their families. Surveys were also held on a regular basis. This provided the opportunity for people and staff members to express their views on how care and support was provided. This helped ensure the service continued to improve.