7 May 2014
During a routine inspection
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service, staff and the Chair of the board of trustees told us, what we observed and the documents and records we looked at.
If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report. This is a summary of what we found:
Is the service safe?
People were treated with respect by the staff, their dignity upheld and their independence promoted.
CQC monitors the operation of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, which applies to care homes. While no applications had needed to be submitted we saw that proper procedures were in place, and the registered manager showed us evidence of how they reviewed the service provided to ensure people were safeguarded. Staff had received relevant training.
Medication was managed safely and administered by competent staff.
People were cared for by staff who were trained and well supported. We spoke with all four care staff on duty, one of whom said 'we are 100% supported, in and out of work.'
Is the service effective?
People told us they were well cared for and their needs were met. From speaking with staff and observing how they supported people it was clear that they knew people well and understood their needs.
Care plans were individualised and contained guidance that enabled staff to provide effective and consistent care.
The home had accreditation in an evidence based framework for ensuring that people received effective end of life care. This meant that individual wishes and preferences guided the care and support provided.
Staff had received training so that they could meet the needs of the people living at St Ives House.
Is the service caring?
People were cared for by staff who were caring and attentive. People told us they were able to do what they wanted to do when they wanted. We saw that care staff supported people in way that was unhurried. One person told us 'I decide how I spend my day'. Another said 'It's marvellous here.' A member of the care staff said 'I came into care because I care, and you can here'.
People were safe and their care and welfare needs met because there were effective systems in place to ensure staff were competent to do their jobs.
Is the service responsive?
Individual needs were assessed before people moved into the home and care plans were regularly reviewed. Personal files showed that individual preferences and interests were recorded. We saw how staff checked with people how they would like support to be given, and how they were sensitive to people's changing needs.
Is the service well-led?
Staff had a good understanding of the values that underpinned the care provided at the home. There were quality assurance processes in place. The Chair of the board told us how the trustees made sure they were aware of what was happening in the home and how people living at the home, their families and representatives were consulted about planned changes.
Staff confirmed they were also informed and involved in future plans and their views had been listened to.