Archived: Elvy Court Nursing Home

During this inspection we set out to answer our five questions; Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led?

Below is a summary of what we found. If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

People were cared for in an environment that was safe and secure. Equipment at the home had been well maintained and serviced regularly. There were enough staff on duty with the appropriate skills and experience to meet the needs of the people living at the home. Staff had been trained in local authority safeguarding procedures. Staff provided care and support during the day and night. People also had access to the call bell system in their rooms and in shared areas.

CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications have been submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff have been trained to understand when an application should be made and how to submit one.

Is the service effective?

People told us that they were happy with the care they received. We observed that staff understood people's care and support needs. We spoke with staff, and it was clear that they knew people who lived in the home well. One visitor told us "The staff made sure my grandmother had the right mattress and there have been no problems with bed sores'. Staff had received training to meet the needs of the people living at the home.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that staff were patient and gave encouragement when supporting people. People told us they were able to make their own choices in their everyday lives. Our observations confirmed this. One person told us 'The staff are very patient and kind with me". We observed staff providing care and noted that people were offered drinks regularly.

Is the service responsive?

People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home. There was evidence that staff regularly discussed any changes related to people's care with them. Records confirmed people's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided that met their wishes. People had access to activities that were important to them and had been supported to maintain relationships with their friends and relatives.

Is the service well-led?

Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and quality assurance processes were in place. People told us they were asked for their feedback on the service they received and that they had also filled in a quality survey. Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. The manager confirmed that there was a comprehensive programme of training for staff, which covered mandatory subjects such as health and safety and safe-guarding vulnerable adults, as well as broader subjects for professional development.

All the interactions we saw between staff, management and people who lived in the home were positive. We found that staff treated people with dignity and respect and supported people to make sure that their health, care and welfare needs were met. Our observations showed that the care staff understood the needs of the people who lived in the home.

We spoke with people who lived in the home. They told us were happy with the way they were cared for. Relatives told us that staff were kind and caring.

People were supported to make daily living choices and were asked for their consent about any care and treatment that was given.

People were provided with appropriate care and support that met their needs and promoted their wellbeing.

People were safeguarded because staff understood how to protect people.

People received the medication they needed at the time they needed it.

There were suitably skilled and experienced staff on duty to meet the needs of the people who lived in the home.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service to safeguard the people who lived in the home.

Records management had improved.