Santa Care

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

People were kept safe from avoidable harm because staff knew them well and understood how to protect them from abuse. The service worked well with other agencies to do so. The service had enough staff, including for one-to-one support for people to take part in activities. The numbers and skills of staff matched the needs of people using the service. Staff recruitment, induction and training processes were appropriate and promoted people’s safety. Staff knew how to consider people’s individual needs, wishes and goals when making arrangements to keep them safe. People, including those unable to make decisions for themselves, had as much freedom, choice, and control over their lives as possible because when staff managed risks they considered ways to minimise restrictions on people.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

People told us they felt safe. They made comments such as “I feel safe with the staff and if I was upset about anything I could speak to them, they know me.” Another person said, “This is our home and we do feel safe here we can do what we want we feel comfortable.”

Staff had a good understanding of safeguarding and how and who to report to if they had concerns about the safety of a person. They attended safeguarding training and were aware of the local authority safeguarding team. Staff told us there would be an investigation if there were allegations, internally and externally. Staff supported people in a safe way adhering to risk assessments that were in place to keep people safe. A staff member told us “Our role is to make sure we keep the vulnerable people we support safe. People can always tell us if they are not happy with anything that might be happening to them, and we can help and report it.” The registered manager told us, “Staff report any signs of abuse to the senior and me and then complete an incident form.”

People were comfortable around staff and there was a natural relaxed atmosphere. The home was clean, and furniture was in good order. Staff were attentive and communicated well with the people who lived there, they were knowledgeable about people’s support needs and how to support them.

The provider had a clear safeguarding process in place. Safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures/policies were in place. Staff had access to guidance about safeguarding concerns and how to report abuse. Staff received training in safeguarding to ensure they had knowledge and confidence in dealing with any safeguarding concerns.

People, including those unable to make decisions for themselves, had as much freedom, choice, and control over their lives as possible because staff considered the least restrictive options when managing risks to people. People were encouraged to be involved with their care plans.

Staff and leaders had a clear understating of risk management and how to mitigate risks. When asked about risk assessments,1 staff member said, “People have care plans and risk assessments in place. If there is a risk in an area, we are supporting someone in then there needs to be a risk assessment in place.” The registered manager told us, “I always assess people prior to offering a place so at this point I try to put them at ease and just have a conversation about what they want support with, from personal care to meal preparation, activities they want to join, any emotional support and support with their faith. The placement needs to be right for the person. We have risk assessments in place to keep people safe especially around their mental health.”

We observed staff and people interacting and noted that staff engaged with people in an appropriate way. We saw that staff adhered to risk assessments which were in place for people to ensure they were safe. For example, staff reminded 1 person about the risks of smoking.

The provider had a process in place for assessing risks. Staff had guidance and a good understating of risks to people health and well-being. Risk assessments were reviewed on a regular basis. This meant people could be assured their health and safety was a priority.

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The service had enough staff, including for one-to-one support for people to take part in activities according to their wishes and preferences. The numbers and skills of staff matched the needs of people using the service.

Staff told us there were enough staff to meet people’s needs and they felt they were well trained for the role. Staff had an induction and training was provided in a range of topics. One staff member said, “I had an induction when I first started in the service. We have all the training and do this online. We have recently completed safeguarding, diabetes, fire training and falls prevention. The registered manager told us, “Each staff has a file in place with references and background checks and go on an induction. Staff have regular training online and face to face when we can and when it is needed. I supervise the staff on a regular basis.” This meant that staff had obtained the skills to carry out their job role effectively.

During our visit, we saw that there was enough qualified staff on duty to meet people’s needs. People were relaxed and staff were attentive. When people wanted to be supported staff responded without delay. Staff were approachable and caring.

The provider had a clear recruitment process in place. All employment checks were carried out including a criminal background check. This meant staff had been fully vetted by the provider prior to starting in their role. Staff had regular supervisions and team meetings. This meant they could seek advice and guidance on a regular basis from their line manager. The provider had a program of training which was regularly updated. This helped to ensure staff had the competence and confidence to provide safe care for people.

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.