We carried out a visit on 31 March 2012 and 16 April 2012 (in order to meet with the registered provider). We observed how people were being cared for, talked with people who used services, talked with staff, checked the provider's records, and looked at records of people who used services.We spoke to five people living at Fernleigh House and staff. There were no issues raised by anyone, all were very positive about the care provided and the staff providing the care. Some people who used the service were independently moving around the home and staff were seen to interact well with them.
People we spoke with confirmed that they chose how to spend their days, and that they could do what they liked.
We saw that people were spoken to in a respectful and caring way. People told us that the staff were 'lovely' and that 'they will do anything for you'.
People told us they were happy with the care and support they received at Fernleigh House.
People said that the staff were 'very kind' and spoke very highly of the staff group. People told us about the activities that they enjoyed and the things they liked to do.
We saw that people's rooms were personalised with their own furniture, keepsakes, pictures and photographs.
We saw that people who use the service were happy to approach staff. People told us that they could discuss anything with any of the staff.
Senior staff told us they would feel able to raise an alert for any perceived abuse. The staff we spoke to were aware of the role of the external agencies in safeguarding, such as Social Services.
Two people we spoke with told us that they thought there were enough staff. They said they did not have to wait very long to have their call-bell answered if they rang it.
The three staff members we spoke all said that they thought that there were enough staff for the number of people they were looking after.
The three staff we spoke to said they enjoyed working at Fernleigh House. They said they were free to discuss anything with the registered manager/provider and senior staff.