19 June 2014
During a routine inspection
Is the service safe?
The registered manager recognised their responsibility to ensure the environment was well maintained and safe. Systems were in place to make sure that the quality of people's care and welfare was monitored. This generally reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve. However, we saw risks to people's health and well-being were identified but the accuracy of records, such as fluid charts, needed to be improved to show these risks were being managed to ensure people's safety and well-being. Records showed staff were up to date with their training. People were cared for in a clean, hygienic environment.
Is the service effective?
Visitors and people living at the home told us they were happy with the care at the home. For example, one person said 'They're very helpful' and another person said 'They do all that I ask them to do'. People's health and care needs were assessed, and staff knew when to seek external advice when people's care needs changed. Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required.
Is the service caring?
People were treated with respect and their dignity was maintained by the staff. People were supported by caring staff. Staff took time to listen to people's opinions and acted upon their requests. People's opinions were sought by staff and people told us they felt listened to using the service, their relatives, friends and other professionals involved with the service could influence how care was delivered. Where shortfalls or concerns were raised these were addressed.
Is the service responsive?
We looked at people's care plans and we saw the management team contacted health and social professionals appropriately when people's needs changed. We saw examples when staff acted on the advice of health professionals, for example, ordering pressure relieving cushions. Good communication systems were in place to ensure staff were updated on people's changing needs. Some people told us there was not enough to do when the activities coordinator was not working at the home, we saw there were plans in place by the registered manager to address this shortfall.
Is the service well-led?
There were quality assurance processes in place to monitor the quality of the service for people living at the home. Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities .The registered manager was committed to promote team work and a positive ethos in the home.