Our previous inspection of 2 January 2014 found that there were improvements needed in the service's medication procedures. As part of this scheduled inspection we checked that improvements had been made to address the identified shortfalls. We spoke with three of the five people who used the service. We also spoke with the registered manager and a staff member. We looked at three people's care records. Other records viewed included staff training, staff recruitment and health and safety checks. 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 registered manager looked at our identification and asked us to sign in the visitor's book. 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.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. We found that staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and how to submit one. We saw that the staff were provided with training in safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse, Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and DoLS. This meant that staff were provided with the information that they needed to ensure that people were safeguarded.
The service was safe. Records showed that the health and safety in the service was regularly checked. This included regular fire safety checks, which meant that people were protected in the event of a fire.
Recruitment practice was safe and thorough. This meant that the appropriate checks had been made on staff to ensure they were able to work with vulnerable people.
People were provided with their medication in a safe manner and at the prescribed times. Medication was stored safely.
Is the service effective?
People told us that they were happy living in the service. One person said, "I am happy here."
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 reviewed and updated which meant that staff were provided with up to date information about how people's needs were to be met.
People's dietary needs were met and people's choices relating to the food that they ate were listened to.
Is the service caring?
The staff interacted with people living in the service in a caring, respectful and professional manner. People told us that the staff treated them with kindness.
People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with their wishes.
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 concerns about their wellbeing had been identified the staff had taken appropriate action to ensure that people were provided with the support they needed. This included seeking support and guidance from health care professionals, including a doctor and mental health professionals.
We looked at how complaints had been dealt with, and found that the responses had been open, thorough, and timely. People could therefore be assured that complaints were investigated and action where taken as necessary.
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 an effective quality assurance system and records reviewed by us showed that identified shortfalls were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuingly improving.