24 and 29 April 2015
During a routine inspection
This unannounced inspection took place on the 24 and 29 April 2015.
Rathgar Care Home accommodates and provides care for up to 23 older people, most of whom have dementia care needs. There were 22 people in residence during this inspection.
A registered manager was in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the service is run.
People were assured that there were sufficient numbers of staff that had acquired the skills they needed through training and experience to meet their needs. Recruitment procedures were robust and protected people from the poor practice of unsuitable staff compromising their safety.
People’s care plans reflected their individuality and their needs were regularly reviewed. People’s benefited from receiving care from staff that listened to and acted upon what they said, including the views of their relatives, friends, or significant others. Staff understood their duties and carried them out diligently. Their manner was friendly and they encouraged people to retain as much independence as their capabilities allowed. There were spontaneous as well as regularly organised activities to stimulate people’s interest.
People’s healthcare needs were met. They had routine and ‘as needed’ access to a wide range of community based health professionals. Community based healthcare professionals were appropriately consulted, and their advice and prescribed treatments acted upon, to help sustain people’s health and wellbeing.
People said they enjoyed their food and had plenty to eat and drink. They enjoyed a varied and balanced diet to meet their nutritional needs. Meal portions suited people’s appetites and choices of food suited people’s individual preferences and tastes. Snacks were readily available. People who needed support with eating or drinking received the help they required.
People’s medicines were securely stored and there were suitable arrangements for the disposal of discontinued medicines. Medicines were competently administered by staff in a timely way.
People’s quality of care was effectively monitored by the audits regularly conducted by the registered manager and the provider.
People and their representatives knew how and who to complain to. They were assured that they would be listened to and that appropriate remedial action would be taken to try to resolve matters to their satisfaction.