We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask:' Is the service caring?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service safe?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service well led?
This is a summary of what we found:
Is the service safe?
Systems were in place to protect people from abuse and avoidable harm. Individual and environmental risk assessments were carried out and plans were in place to protect people's health and welfare.
Staff knew how to protect people from abuse. They knew about the different forms of abuse, how to recognise the signs of abuse and how to report any concerns. Staff said they received training in safeguarding of vulnerable adults and they were aware of the provider's policies and procedures on safeguarding and whistleblowing. We observed people were happy and at ease with the staff and with the other people who lived in the home.
The manager said the provider always carried out relevant employment and criminal record checks when new staff were recruited. New staff underwent a comprehensive induction programme which included safeguarding training. These steps helped protect people from the risk of abuse.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. The manager said they had not needed to submit any DoLS applications but the provider had procedures in place if an application was needed in the future.
Is the service effective?
Staff we observed on the day of our inspection were competent and effective in supporting the people who lived in the home. Staff received training in subjects relevant to their role and they were well supported by other colleagues and by the management. This ensured they had the knowledge, skills and experience to meet the needs of the people they supported.
A small regular team of staff supported the people in the home. This helped ensure staff knew people's preferences, needs and behaviours well. People were supported to live their lives in a way that suited their personal needs and preferences. This helped promote effective care outcomes and a good quality of life for the people who lived in the home.
Is the service caring?
Staff treated each individual with dignity and respect. They spoke to people in a friendly and caring manner and were sensitive and discreet when carrying out personal care.
People who lived in the home had very limited verbal communication skills. However, staff members knew each individual's needs and were able to communicate with them in both verbal and non-verbal ways. People were able to make daily living choices with prompting and support from the staff. People were given space to spend time on their own but staff were on hand whenever needed.
Is the service responsive?
The service was responsive to people's needs. People's needs were assessed and their care was planned and delivered in line with their individual requirements. People's care plans were comprehensive and contained detailed information about each individual's support needs and personal preferences.
Staff spoken with had a clear understanding of each person's support needs and how they should be met. Each person had a designated key worker responsible for monthly care plan reviews. These reviews ensured the care plan was current and remained appropriate to the individual's needs.
Is the service well led?
The previous manager of the home had left and a new manager had been appointed recently from within the service. The new manager had applied to become a registered manager with CQC and the application process was nearing completion.
The new manager was based at the home and provided 'hands-on' care as an integral member of a small team of care staff. During our conversations it was clear the manager had a good understanding of the needs and preferences of each person in the home. We observed they had a good rapport with each of the individuals in the home and with the other care staff.
Staff we spoke with said they respected and liked working with the new manager. They said all of the provider's management team were very approachable and a senior person was always available if they needed advice or support.
The provider had effective systems in place to monitor and manage the service. This included obtaining feedback about the service from the individuals, their families and professionals involved with their care. Effective systems were also in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people.