Archived: Mrs Anne Maria Lyttle - Erdington

We spoke with the registered manager, deputy manager and with staff on duty. We met all of the people that lived there and either observed them in the home with staff or spoke with them. We also later spoke with four relatives. Our conversations with people helped us to answer our five questions; Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? and, Is the service well led?

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our findings during the inspection, speaking with people and their relatives about the service, staff members supporting people and from looking at records.

The detailed evidence supporting our summary can be read in our full report.

Is the service safe?

All of the people that we spoke with told us that they felt safe at the home. One person smiled at us and nodded. Another person told us, 'I am safe here. I like it here' All of the relatives spoken with told us that they felt that their family member was safe receiving a care and support at the home. One relative told us, 'I am very happy with everything.'

There was a system in place to record accidents and incidents. Staff spoken with showed that they were aware of the reporting system. We saw that three accidents and incidents were recorded since our last inspection in August 2013. We saw that the provider had taken appropriate action to reduce the risk of the reoccurrence of accidents or incidents.

There was a system in place to handle concerns and complaints. The provider told us that no complaints had been received since our last inspection. All of the relatives spoken with told us that they found the registered manager approachable and that they would raise a concern if needed.

We saw that most of the home was visibly clean and tidy. We found a few areas such as kitchen work surface areas and bathroom areas that needed replacement so that effective cleaning could take place. This would reduce the risk of cross infection. The registered manager told us that work would be completed over the summer 2014.

As part of our inspection we asked the provider about how they implemented the Mental Capacity Act 2005. They told us that they made the appropriate referrals for people when needed. The registered manager gave us an example of when a 'best interest' meeting had taken place for one person when needed. Records showed us that relatives and healthcare professionals were involved in deciding appropriate medical tests for one person. All of the staff spoken with showed an understanding of their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act. One staff member told us, 'We cannot consent on a person's behalf. The manager would need to arrange a best interest meeting if needed.' This meant that the registered manager was aware of their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act.

Is the service effective?

We saw that people were supported to take part in individual activities that they had decided they wanted to do. Some people told us that they had been to a day centre. Another person told us, 'I am going swimming later.' This meant that people took part in meaningful activities.

Is the service caring?

All of the people that we spoke with told us that they were happy there. One person told us, 'The staff are kind'. During our inspection we observed that people were relaxed with staff and positive interactions took place.

One relative told us, 'I think the staff are very good. They keep us informed about things we need to know about.' Another relative told us, 'I am happy with my family member's care and feel that staff are professional.'

People that used the service and their relatives were asked for feedback about the quality of the service provided.

Is the service responsive?

All of the relatives spoken with told us they had no complaints. One relative told us, 'I find the manager approachable. If I had any concerns I would speak with them.' Another relative told us, 'Overall I am very happy.'

Is the service well led?

We saw documented evidence that showed that the provider worked with other

health care professionals and made referrals for advice and guidance when needed.

The service had a quality assurance system. The registered manager told us that some checks were completed informally and not documented. We looked at some documented audits such as a medication check and saw that this was effective.

We sampled records such as gas safety checks and people's medication and financial records. We found most records were accurate and up to date.

People told us and we saw that that people's views were sought and acted upon. Staff were able to tell us about people's needs and the way they preferred to receive care. Relatives told us people using the service are able to do lots of activities including going to the Special Olympics. One relative said 'X is happy there.'

We found people were treated respectfully and with dignity though not everyone had their individual care needs fully met.

We saw that people were comfortable in their environment and that systems were in place to keep people safe from harm. A relative told us 'Staff are friendly and helpful.' Staff received a range of training so that they had up to date knowledge and skills in order to support the people who lived in the home.

There were systems in place to monitor how the home was run, to ensure people received a quality service.

People told us and we saw that that people's views were sought and acted upon. Staff was able to tell us about people's needs and the way they preferred to receive care. Relatives told us people using the service are able to do lots of activities including going to the Special Olympics. One relative said 'X is happy there.'

We saw that people were comfortable in their environment and that systems were in place to keep people safe from harm. A relative told us 'Staff are friendly and helpful.' Staff received a range of training so that they had up to date knowledge and skills in order to support the people who lived in the home.

There were systems in place to monitor how the home was run, to ensure people received a quality service.