We had received information of concern relating to the Health and Safety regulations and Fire Safety Regulations. We found that the provider had responded appropriately and were taking the required action to become compliant with these regulations.
At the time of our inspection Cedarwood Nursing Home did not have a Registered Manager in post.
We spoke with five people who used the service who all told us that the staff were very good but there was not enough of them. People told us 'the staff are so caring' and 'staff are very rushed'. One person told us 'the carers are so busy in the mornings that people are left in the lounge without any supervision'.
We spoke with four members of staff who all told us that there was not always enough staff to meet the needs of the people who use the service. Two staff members spoke of the impact the lack of staff had on the people who used the service, 'the service users can get lonely as there is no time for interaction', and 'people only get the basic, it's not caring, it's too rushed'.
We found that there were not always enough staff to meet the needs of the people who used the service. We found that the staff had started to receive training; however, they were not receiving adequate supervision or appraisal.
We found that there had been improvements in the way the provider responded to people when they complained about the service. We found that the provider had put systems in place to regularly assess and monitor the service and take action on any problems that were identified.
All the people we spoke with told us that there was no running hot water, no bath or shower facilities, the roof leaked in the lounge and the garden was overgrown. People also told us that the quality of the food had fallen, they were short of staff in the afternoons and the home was not always clean.
We were concerned that there was a lack of running hot water which meant that people could not bathe as they wished and there was risk of infection due to the difficulties in cleaning and washing hands. We found that there were shortages of staff, particularly in the afternoons and the staff had not received adequate training or support to carry out their roles. We found concerns relating to the maintenance of flooring, the roof and walls, in particular around the food storage area. We referred the home to the environmental health department.
People who used the service expressed satisfaction with the care and service that they received. All the people we spoke with told us that the home was lovely and staff looked after them well. They told us that the food had improved because they had two new chefs. They said that they had two choices of meals and if they did not like what was on the menu they could have another option. One person told us' I like it here and the staff are marvellous and cheerful'. They also told us that staff spoke to them in a dignified manner. Another person told us 'I could not ask for a better place than this home'. They told us 'I was in hospital and wanted to get back to Cedarwood'. The people told us that they felt safe living at the home and they would tell staff if they had any concerns. One person told us 'all the staff listen to me and I am happy here'. They also told us that the staff completed training courses at the home. They said that they enjoyed going to these with the staff and listened to what the trainer was saying.
The relatives we spoke with during the visit told us that they were happy with the care provided by all staff. They said their family members needs were well looked after by them. Several relatives told us that they chose Cedarwood because it had a homely environment.
We observed a small group of residents listening to another resident reading to them, and the group appeared to get enjoyment from this activity. One resident said activities were available to take part in and she particularly enjoyed listening to a friend who was also a resident at the home read to her.
Two residents we spoke to said they felt safe and were satisfied with the care they received at the home. Both commented on the staff being helpful, friendly and approachable.
One resident said that since the home had employed a new chef the meals had got much better, another resident said they were unhappy about the quality of food and the building upkeep standards at the home. We brought their concerns directly to the attention of the acting manager during our visit.