Archived: Alexandra Park Home

At the time of our inspection there were 11 adults living at the service. The service is located in a large detached house, on two floors with access to a front and back garden. We previously inspected the service on 10 September 2013 and the service was found to be meeting the regulations inspected.

Alexandra Park Home has a registered manager at 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

During the inspection people were calm and there was a relaxed atmosphere. People using the service informed us that they were happy with the care and services provided. We saw staff were caring, kind and compassionate and treated people with dignity and respect.

Staff were aware of people’s needs as their needs were carefully documented within detailed care plans. Staff responded quickly to people’s change in needs if they were physically or mentally unwell.

Care records were individualised, contained people’s personal histories and reflected their choices, likes and dislikes, and arrangements were in place to ensure that these were responded to. Care plans provided detailed information on people’s health needs which were closely monitored. Risk assessments had been carried out and updated regularly. These contained guidance for staff on protecting people.

People were supported to maintain good health through regular access to healthcare professionals, such as GPs and the local general hospital. People spoke highly of the food and people’s cultural and religious needs were facilitated by staff.

People had their medicines managed safely although we found minor discrepancies with two medicine records and stocks. People received their medicines as prescribed. Storage and management of medicines was robust with clear processes in place.

Staff had been carefully recruited and provided with training to enable them to care effectively for people. Staff felt supported and there was evidence of regular supervision taking place in recent months. Staff knew how to recognise and report any concerns or allegations of abuse and described what action they would take to protect people against harm. Staff told us they felt confident any incidents or allegations would be fully investigated.

There were enough staff to meet people's needs.

We found the premises were clean and tidy, and measures were in place for infection control. The decor was dated but well maintained and there was a record of essential services being checked. There was clear documentation relating to complaints and incidents.

Management of money for people using the service was well managed.

People told us the management was a visible presence within the home. Staff talked positively about their jobs telling us they enjoyed their work and felt valued. The staff we met were

caring, kind and compassionate.

There was a stair lift to access upstairs and there was an accessible shower room for people with mobility problems.

Although the quality of the care was good, there were other areas where the service had not been consistently well led. Prior to August 2015 supervision did not take place on a regular basis and there was little evidence of involvement by staff or people living at the service in the running of the service.

We saw that care plans had been developed with discussion and information gathered from the person using the service, their representatives and from associated health and social care professionals.

People who used this service told us that they felt safe. Staff were aware of safeguarding legislation and procedures.

We saw that medication was appropriately sourced, administered and stored. When necessary it was returned to the supplier.

Staff levels were assessed and regularly monitored. Training was effective and comprehensive ensuring that people who used this service were kept safe.

The provider had a system in place to regularly assess and monitor the quality

of service that people received. This resulted in the provision of a safe effective service

The majority of people we spoke to told us that they were happy living at the home, and all indicated that they were treated with respect by staff. People told us 'Lunch was nice,' 'The food's OK,' and 'It has improved.' We noted significant changes to the menu since the previous inspection, and people indicated that they were happy with these.

We observed staff supporting people in a positive and professional way that respected their dignity. Staff and people living at the home indicated that there were sufficient staff available to meet people's needs effectively. We found evidence of significant improvements in staff members' training within recent months, and all staff had received annual appraisals as required.

As required at the previous inspection more rigorous systems had been put in place to monitor the quality of care and support provided to people at the home. People confirmed that they were asked for their views about the home. They noted 'The manager comes round to ask how things are,' and 'I went to the residents meeting recently.'