4 March 2016
During a routine inspection
The home did not have a registered manager in post, as the provider is an individual who is considered a 'registered person.' Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the service is run.
The home was not always applying the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Staff had not received specific training in this area and did not fully understand the principles behind it.
Risk assessments were not robust and care plans lacked detail on how support was provided. The knowledge of the staff supporting people was not captured in the documentation. This was brought to the attention of the registered provider who updated care plans and risk assessments to a good standard.
Records of care delivered were brief and task focussed. This meant that the service was not routinely capturing all the information about how people received support. We have made a recommendation about record keeping.
People were supported by trained staff to receive their medicines, however, records of medicines administered were not always clear. We have made a recommendation about recording medicines.
There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff employed by the service. Staff had been recruited safely with appropriate checks on their backgrounds completed.
Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding adults and knew how to protect people from harm. People told us they felt safe.
Staff received regular supervision and ongoing training to support them to develop the skills and knowledge required for their role.
People were supported to eat and drink sufficient amounts to maintain a balanced diet. The service provided culturally appropriate food to meet people's needs and preferences.
People were supported to have their health needs met. Records showed people were supported to attend appointments with healthcare professionals when required. Any advice from healthcare professionals was shared so that staff knew how to support people to maintain their health.
Staff were caring and had built up strong relationships with people living in the home. Staff and people living in the home had a shared cultural heritage which meant that cultural and language needs were met. People were supported to attend religious services of their choice.
Care files were reviewed regularly and records showed that people were involved in making decisions about their care. Preserving people's dignity and respecting people's right to make choices were embedded in care plans.
The service had various feedback mechanisms, including formal complaints, house meetings and feedback surveys. This meant the service routinely listened to and learnt from people's experiences.
The home had a strong open, and person centred culture. Staff and people living in the service knew each other well and the home had a relaxed and homely feel.
People and staff spoke highly of the registered provider and described her as supportive.
The registered provider conducted appropriate audits and checks on the service to ensure it was delivering consistent, good quality care.