The inspection was undertaken by one inspector. We gathered evidence against the outcomes we inspected to help answer our five key 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 relatives of all of the people living at the home, with staff and from looking at records.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
People had been protected from the risk of harm and abuse because staff had received training in how to safeguard vulnerable people.
We checked people's care plans and found that these were detailed. Risks were identified to ensure that people had the care provided safely and risks to them were minimised. Staff we spoke with were aware of the care that people needed to keep them safe.
Recruitment practice was safe and thorough. This meant the provider could demonstrate that the staff employed to work at the home were suitable and had the skills and experience needed to support the people living in the home.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. We were informed that policies and procedures were in place and the manager demonstrated a good level of awareness of this area.
Is the service effective?
People's relatives told us that they were happy with the care that was provided and that people's needs had been met. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of the people's care and support needs and that they knew them well.
Care plans contained information and guidance about people's specific conditions to enable care staff to meet the individual needs of the people who used the service. People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded in people's care plans and people were supported as much as possible with these interests.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that staff showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. One person's relative told us, 'Staff are very caring.'
We saw that care plans contained essential information about people's health
assessments from other professionals. This ensured staff had access to information about people's needs and could provide the most appropriate care.
People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support was provided in accordance with people's wishes. People had access to a range of activities and had been supported to maintain relationships with their friends and relatives.
Is the service responsive?
The provider had a complaints policy which showed people how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. Relatives told us that felt able to raise any concerns. One relative told us, 'I have a good relationship with all of the staff and feel able to talk to any of them.'
Each person who lived there had an annual review to discuss their individual needs and goals, and whether they were happy with the home and the care and support they were receiving. Relatives told us that they had the opportunity to feedback about the quality of the service at people's annual review meetings.
Is the service well-led?
Staff and relatives of people living in the home told us that the manager was accessible and took account of their comments.
The service had a quality assurance system and records showed that identified problems and opportunities to change things for the better were usually addressed.
We saw that there were regular meetings with staff to discuss quality issues and this helped to ensure that people received a good quality service at all times.