Archived: Alexander Care Home

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service responsive?

' 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 a relative, speaking with people using the service and the staff supporting them, and from looking at records.

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

Is the service safe?

We spoke with three people using the service who told us they were happy with the care provided and felt the staff knew what they were doing.

People's care records contained enough information to show how people were to be supported and cared for safely. We visited some people in their bedroom to see how they were being looked after. People looked clean, comfortable and well cared for.

The care records showed that people's health was regularly assessed and monitored to ensure their health and welfare was protected.

People were provided with a choice of suitable and nutritious food and drinks to ensure their nutritional needs were met. People we spoke with told us, 'Yes the food is very good' and 'I enjoy the food and we get plenty'.

Overall, sufficient staff were provided to meet the needs of people. Staff told us however that on some occasions during the night, people were not always supported by sufficient numbers of staff. The manager told us that this issue of concern was in the process of being discussed with the provider.

Systems were in place to help ensure the manager and staff learnt from events such as accidents and complaints.

Is the service caring?

People we spoke with were complimentary about the care provided. We were told, 'I am safe and well looked after, no problems whatsoever' and 'They are very good with me and know what they are doing'.

People's care records showed that their preferences, likes and dislikes had been clearly documented and their care and support had been provided in accordance with their wishes. The staff we spoke with showed they had a very good understanding of the needs of the people they were looking after.

Staff were very good at caring for people who were very ill and at the end of their life. We were told that most of the care staff had completed training in The Six Steps to Success programme. This programme aims to enhance 'end of life care' for people.

Is the service effective?

People were assessed by a senior member of staff from the home before they were admitted, to ensure their individual needs could be met. People were involved in the development of their care plans.

Pressure relieving equipment was in place to aid comfort and help in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.

To ensure that safe and effective care was provided, staff continued to update their skills and knowledge with regular training and updates.

Is the service responsive?

Information in the care records showed that the staff at the home involved other healthcare professionals in the care and support of people using the service.

Suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that information was passed on when a person was transferred to another service, such as a hospital.

The provider had a clear procedure in place with regards to responding to any complaints and concerns made.

Is the service well led?

There were a number of quality assurance systems in place to ensure people were cared for safely. Feedback was sought from people using the service through annual questionnaires, asking for their views on the care and facilities provided.

The computer system in place alerted management when some aspects of the running of the service required review.

The planning and delivery of care ensured the individual needs of the people using the service were met.

Systems were in place to help protect people by ensuring that staff were suitably trained in the safeguarding of vulnerable people.

Arrangements were in place to ensure that people received their medicines safely and as prescribed.

People were safely cared for by staff that were properly trained, supported and supervised.

Regular monitoring of the services and facilities provided was in place to help protect people against the risks of inappropriate or unsafe care.

Enough staff were on duty at all times to meet people's needs.

An effective complaints procedure was in place and people knew how to make a complaint if they needed to.