We spoke with four of the 15 people who used the service. We spoke with one person's relative, three staff members and the registered manager. We looked at four people's care records and six medication administration charts. Other records viewed included staff training records, personnel records, health and safety checks, and satisfaction questionnaires completed by relatives and staff. We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask; 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?
When we arrived at the service the staff asked to see our identification. This meant that the appropriate actions were taken to ensure that the people who used the service were protected from others who did not have the right to access their home.
We saw records which showed that the health and safety in the service was regularly checked. This included regular checks on such areas as fire safety equipment, gas and electric appliances as well as checks on the environment. This told us people were looked after safely.
People were provided with their medication in a safe manner and at the prescribed times. We saw that medication was stored safely.
We saw that the staff were provided with training in safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse, Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). This meant that staff were provided with the information that they needed to ensure that people were safeguarded.
We saw that staff were recruited appropriately and employed after appropriate checks were completed. This meant people were cared for safely by staff who were competent in their roles.
Is the service effective?
People's care records showed that care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. The records were regularly reviewed and updated which meant that staff were provided with up to date information about how people's needs were to be met.
Is the service caring?
We saw that people were relaxed in the company of each other and staff. We saw that staff were attentive to people's needs. Staff we spoke with were able to demonstrate they knew people well. We saw staff treated people with dignity and respect.
Is the service responsive?
People who used the service were provided with the opportunity to participate in activities which interested them. People's choices were taken in to account and listened to. People's care records showed that where appropriate, support and guidance was sought from health care professionals, including a doctor, optician, chiropodist and district nurse. This told us that the service worked well with other professionals and that people's needs were met.
We saw that the service had a complaints process in place that responded to people's concerns and acted appropriately to rectify any complaints.
Is the service well-led?
The service had a quality assurance system and records reviewed by us showed that identified shortfalls were addressed. As a result the quality of the service had been maintained.