25 April 2014
During a routine inspection
We found that the people were cared for in relaxed, comfortable environment.. We observed care and had sight of all the people in the home. We saw affection and good interaction between the staff and the people. People we spoke with said 'We are well taken care of' and the staff are 'lovely but sometimes very busy.' There was a homely atmosphere, the staff knew the people well and were able to meet their needs appropriately
Is the service responsive?
We were told by the people who lived in the home that 'the staff will do anything for you as soon as you ask'. We saw that staff were vigilant at all times and were ready to respond to the wishes and needs of the people. People who were confined to bed had staff visits every regularly to ensure they were comfortable but did not always have time and for 'a chat'. We were told that calls for assistance were responded to in a timely manner.
Is the service safe?
We saw that there was sufficient numbers of staff rostered on duty to meet the needs of people. We found that there was a robust recruitment procedure in place and the required checks had been carried out before an offer of employment had been made. We saw that staff were aware of risk management and the balance between promoting independence and keeping people safe. We saw that the premises were secure. Staff had been trained to recognise and respond to signs and allegations of abuse.
Is the service effective?
We looked at the care plans of four people and found that they had been involved in the decision about their care and how they wanted it delivered, including their wishes for end of live care. We saw that care plans gave detailed instructions to staff to ensure the care they gave was effective. We saw that people who had long periods of inaction were protected from the risk of developing pressure areas. People told us that they were happy with their care they received. They said that they were always consulted about the care and support they needed to maintain and promote their health and wellbeing.
Is the service well led?
The home was managed in the best interests of the people who live there. Staff told us that the manager was available to them should they need assistance. Staff had received all the relevant training so that they were knowledgeable and skilled in in all aspects of care delivery. The people we spoke with told us that the manager was always there and should they need anything they only have to ask. However, we noted that the d'cor within the home had become 'shabby' and was in need of extensive re-decoration.