Inspectors gathered evidence to help answer our five key questions; Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring, Is the service responsive? Is the service well led?Below is a summary of what we found based on the evidence gathered during our inspection carried out on 15 May 2014. This included speaking with people who used the service, some of their relatives and members of staff who supported them and by looking at records.
The detailed evidence that supports our findings can be read in the full report.
Is the service safe?
During our inspection we saw that people who lived at the home were treated with consideration and respect. Staff provided care and support in a way that promoted people's dignity, privacy and independence.
We looked at the care records relating to four people who lived at the home. These showed that people's individual needs had been assessed, documented and reviewed. They provided staff with clear guidance about the care, support and treatment that people needed in a way that ensured their health and safety.
The provider had policies in place that gave staff guidance about relevant aspects of infection control procedures. This included information about how to maintain appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene. We looked at records which showed that staff had received infection control training. However, we saw that the floor covering in some communal toilets and bathrooms had become damaged and stained in areas. This meant that that appropriate standards of cleanliness had not been maintained in all cases.
We checked records which showed that effective recruitment policies and procedures were in place. These ensured that staff employed at the home were physically and mentally fit enough for the role performed, of good character and appropriately skilled to meet people's needs. This included carrying out appropriate checks before staff began work.
Is the service effective?
We looked at care records which showed that people's choices and preferences had been taken into account in the planning and delivery of the care they received.
We saw that risk assessments had been completed and regularly reviewed in relation to a wide range of issues relevant to people's care needs and personal circumstances. These included assessments relating to the management of people's medicines, skin integrity and risks associated with pressure care, nutrition and hydration and mobility and the risk of falls.
Is the service caring?
We observed the lunchtime meal and saw that staff provided appropriate levels of support where necessary to help people to eat and drink in a calm, patient and dignified manner.
Everybody we spoke with told us they were happy with the levels of support, care and treatment they received at the home. One person said, 'It's lovely here and I get extremely well looked after. The staff are really kind and caring and nothing is ever too much trouble for them.'
Is the service responsive?
We saw that people's views, experiences and choices were taken into account in the way that care, support and treatment was delivered.
People told us they liked the opportunities provided by the activities coordinator and the range of facilities available at the home. These included arts and crafts, church services, exercise sessions, cooking activities, a mini gym, gardening and visiting entertainers. Trips out were also arranged on a regular basis including a meal at a local Chinese restaurant and a piano recital.
Is the service well led?
A relative of a person who lived at the home commented, 'We are always made to feel very welcome here. The manager and staff keep us fully updated and involved. [Family member] feels at home here, they are encouraged to decide and make choices about their care and support.'
We saw that people had access to relevant health care professionals where necessary and appropriate including physiotherapists, chiropodists, GPs and occupational therapists.
Effective systems had been put in place to assess and monitor the quality of services provided. These included processes to identify, assess and manage risks posed to the health, welfare and safety of people who lived at the home. This meant that people had been protected against the risks of inappropriate or unsafe care.