5 July 2012
During a routine inspection
We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a specific way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.
We observed many positive interactions between staff and people who use the service. Staff were seen to offer support and guidance in a sensitive, knowledgeable and caring manner.
We observed staff respecting people's right to privacy by knocking on their doors before entering.
One person told us that they were happy with the care they received.
People were supported to be able to eat and drink sufficient amounts to meet their needs. We observed that people were being offered additional drinks as well as coffee and tea. For people who required support with eating their meals staff were observed to sit beside people to assist them.
We spoke to people who were visiting the service during our inspection. They told us that the service was meeting the needs of their friends living at the service and that they were "thriving" with the care they were receiving.
We were able to talk to a National Vocational Assessor who was visiting staff who were in the process of completing their National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). They told us that the staff team were well supported and the provider was very good at offering training necessary for the care of the people who use the service.