24 June 2014
During an inspection looking at part of the service
An adult social care inspector carried out this inspection. The focus of the inspection was also to answer five key questions; is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?
At the time of our visit, there were six people using the service. We met with five of them, one of the registered owners, the registered manager and three care staff. We looked at four people's care files, as well as other records held by the provider including those kept for staff training and staff allocation.
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service and the staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
People told us that staff listened to them and that they felt safe. People said they could talk to staff if they had any worries or concerns.
At our last inspection we found that there were not always enough staff to meet the needs of the people using the service. In response, the provider told us they had reviewed the staffing arrangements and employed an additional waking night staff. At this visit we saw that these changes had been put in place and there were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the people living at the home. One person using the service told us 'it's much better now.'
There were risk assessments in place which were personalised and set out what to do to keep people safe. Behavioural guidelines informed staff how to support people to manage their behaviour in a positive way and reduce known stress and anxiety triggers.
Is the service effective?
We asked staff to tell us about the needs of some of the people using the service. Staff gave responses which showed that they knew people well and were providing support based on their individual needs and choices.
People were supported to stay healthy and well and they were supported to access a range of health and social care professionals to meet their needs. The service had made timely referrals for health and social care support when they identified concerns in the person's wellbeing. Records showed that staff had followed the advice and guidance provided by health and social care professionals.
Is the service caring?
People who spoke with us were positive about the care they received. They felt that staff listened to them and were approachable. One person told us "the staff are very nice.'
People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with their wishes.
We saw that staff showed understanding, patience and gave encouragement when supporting people.
Is the service responsive?
Since our last inspection, the manager had improved the care records and information held about people using the service. We saw that care plans were reviewed regularly and staff at Whitworth Lodge responded to changes in people's needs or circumstances.
People were regularly involved in a range of activities in and outside the service, which met their individuals' needs and interests.
Staff we spoke with felt there had been improvements since our last inspection. They had attended more training which supported them in their role and was specific to the individual needs of the people that lived there.
Is the service well-led?
The home had a registered manager who was experienced and knowledgeable about the needs of the people who lived at Whitworth Lodge. One member of staff told us they felt supported and described the manager as 'very good, helpful and she encourages you.'
External professionals were involved in people's care so that the person's health and social care needs were monitored and met. The service worked well with other agencies to make sure the person using the service received care in a joined up way. For example, the service had been working with Croydon local authority to improve staff training.
A professional told us that there had been improvements at the service and there was 'more focussed support' for people.
Where previously we had found improvements were needed and set compliance actions, the manager had implemented changes to achieve compliance.