16 July 2014
During a routine inspection
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?
We looked at the staff training matrix and saw staff members had completed training related to safeguarding procedures. The provider had systems in place to learn from accidents, incidents or any complaints that had been received. A whistleblowing process was also in place at the care home which helped ensure the safety of all people who used the service.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) become important when a person is judged to lack the capacity to make an informed decision related to leaving the home safely. The provider told us an application was made for a DoLS in December 2013. We looked at the required paperwork and noted it had been completed appropriately. The Care Quality Commission had been notified in line with requirements.
Is the service effective?
We looked at five care plans and all had been signed by the person who used the service. This showed they had been involved in writing up their care plans. Specialist dietary needs had been recorded in the care plans and we saw reference had been made to any allergies the person had which helped ensure the health and welfare of the person.
People`s needs were taken into account with the signage and the layout of the environment. This enabled people to move around the care home safely and freely. A family visitor told us, "We can call in anytime, there`s never a problem. We are always offered a drink and that's nice."
Is the service caring?
People who used the service, their family members, staff members and professionals who attended the care home completed annual surveys related to the quality of service being provided at the care home. We observed positive comments had been made and a high satisfaction rating had been recorded.
We spent time in communal areas and observed staff who cared for people in a patient, unhurried manner. We saw people with limited mobility being helped between rooms. Staff members were present at lunch time and offered assistance to people where they thought it was necessary.
Is the service responsive?
We spoke to a community nurse who had attended the care home in response to a call that had been made by a staff member. The nurse told us, "I enjoy coming here. It`s one of the better homes I go to. Any problems they always call us."
We spoke with two family members who were visiting the care home. One told us, "I have been coming here for quite a while now and never had to make a complaint. If I needed to, I know I could just go in and see the manager."
Is the service well led?
The provider had procedures in place that monitored the quality of service being provided to people who used the service. This included regular internal and external quality assurance checks. Weekly and monthly audits had also been undertaken which helped ensure the quality of service continued to improve.
We saw meetings were held regularly for staff and family members and people who used the service. Emergency procedures were continually monitored at the care home. We noted an annual review of fire procedures was completed in June 2014 which helped ensure the safety of all people who used the service.