The inspection took place on 30 December 2015 and was unannounced.
The home provides accommodation for a maximum of seven people requiring personal care. There were six people living at the home when we visited. A registered manager was in post when we inspected the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People responded warmly to care staff looking after them and engaged with them in a friendly and positive manner. Relatives told us they had no concerns and that care staff knew what to do to keep their family member safe.
People received care from staff who understood how to reduce the risk of injury to them when caring for them. People were supported by staff to take their medicines at the correct time. Medicines were recorded when given and stored in a locked cupboard. The registered manager made regular checks to ensure people had received their medicines correctly.
People received care and support from staff who were regularly supervised and who could discuss people’s care and seek clarification about aspects of the care that they were unsure of. People received care from staff that understood their needs and knew their individual requirements. Staff training was monitored to ensure staff received the correct training they needed to care for people.
People’s consent was appropriately obtained by staff. People who could not make decisions for themselves were supported by staff within the requirements of the law.
People enjoyed their food and were supported where possible to prepare their own drinks and meals. People were offered choices at mealtimes and were supported with any special dietary requirements they had. Staff understood people’s needs and preferences and ensured people received the food they liked.
People’s health needs were assessed regularly by the registered manager and care staff understood how they should care for people. Staff kept families informed about their relative’s care and where appropriate involved them in the decision making. People accessed other health professionals as appropriate such as physiotherapists, occupational health, dentists, doctors and opticians.
People liked the staff who cared for them and sought reassurance through touch. People’s privacy and dignity were respected and staff understood what it meant to support people to retain their independence. Care staff understood each person’s needs and supported people accordingly.
People took part in activities they liked or had an interest in. Care staff knew what people enjoyed doing and encouraged and supported them with their chosen activity.
People were relaxed around the registered manager. Staff were positive about the registered manager and felt part of a team. Care staff understood their role within the team and how best to support people.
The care people received was regularly checked and reviewed by the registered manager to ensure it could be monitored and adjustments made where required. People and their relatives were kept updated by the registered manager and provider about issues affecting their care.