Archived: Springfield Cottage Residential Home

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the visit, speaking with eight people who used the service and one visitor. We also spoke with three staff and looked at records.

If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

We spoke with eight people who used the service. They told us they felt safe in the home and were happy with the care provided. Comments people made to us included, 'I feel safe and well looked after' and 'I went home but came back. I feel safe being here'.

People's care records contained enough information to show how people were to be supported and cared for safely. The care records showed that people's health was regularly assessed and monitored to ensure their health and welfare was protected.

We found evidence there were systems in place to ensure people received safe and coordinated care when other services were involved.

Systems and processes were in place to assess and manage the risks related to the use of equipment in the home. Staff had appropriate training to be able to support people to move safely around the home.

Systems were in place to record and review complaints, accidents and incidents. This should help reduce the risk to people and help the service to continually improve.

Is the service effective?

People were assessed by a manager from the home before they were admitted to ensure their individual needs could be met. People were involved in the development and review of their care plans.

To ensure that safe and effective care was provided, staff continued to update their skills and knowledge with regular training and updates.

Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required. Risk assessments were regularly reviewed and care plans amended to reflect people's changing needs.

Is the service caring?

People we spoke with were complimentary about the care provided. We were told, 'They (staff) are helping you all the time', 'If you've got to be anywhere its quite pleasant being here' and 'My mum's happy with the care she gets'.

People's care records showed that their preferences, likes and dislikes had been clearly documented. People we spoke with told us their care and support was provided in accordance with their wishes.

It was clear from our observations and discussions with staff that they knew people well and had a good understanding of their care and support needs.

Is the service responsive?

People who used the service were offered regular opportunities to comment on the care and support they received.

People knew how to make a complaint and were confident any concerns they raised would be dealt with by the home manager.

Systems were in place to ensure staff had access to up to date information regarding people's needs. This should help ensure they were supported to respond appropriately to any changes to a person's condition.

Suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that information was passed on when a person was transferred to another service, such as a hospital.

Is the service well-led?

The home had a manager who was registered with the Care Quality Commission and was qualified to undertake the role.

Quality assurance processes were in place in the home. Records we looked at showed us people had recently completed a satisfaction survey. We were told the provider would shortly be reviewing the results and an action plan would be developed to address any issues raised.

Regular meetings were held with staff. These provided the opportunity for staff to discuss any concerns or practice issues in the home. Staff told us they enjoyed working in Springfield Cottage and felt well supported.

We reviewed the care files for three people who used the service. We saw care plans clearly identified the needs of the person and included information on how they wished their care to be delivered. We found evidence that care plans included guidance for staff about the need to promote independence and choice for people living in the home, wherever possible.

We found that people were provided with appropriate nutrition and had a choice in relation to the food available to them at mealtimes. We also observed staff ensured people had access to drinks and snacks throughout the day.

We found the premises were safe and secure. We saw there was a process of refurbishment in place to improve the standard of furnishings and decoration in the home. All the people we spoke with told us they felt safe and comfortable in Springfield Cottage.

We found suitable arrangements were in place to manage an effective process for identifying, receiving and handling complaints for people in Springfield Cottage.

We reviewed the care files of three people using the service and found evidence that there were procedures in place to ensure that consent was gained from the person's representative in relation to the care provided for them. We saw that care plans clearly identified the needs of the person and included information on how they wished their care to be delivered. One person told us "The staff help my relative without being intrusive".

People spoken with told us they received appropriate support with their medication. We found evidence that there were effective systems in place for the safe administration of medicines.

We spoke with three members of staff who told us they felt well supported and confident in carrying out their responsibilities. We saw evidence that staff were appropriately qualified and provided with training relevant to their role.

We found that there were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet the needs of people using the service.

We found that there were effective systems in place for the completion and storage of records relating to the care of people using the service and the maintenance of the premises