This inspection took place on 8 February 2016 and was unannounced.Azalea House 1 is registered to provide care and support for up to five people who are living with a mental health or learning disability illness. There were four people living at the service when we visited.
The service has a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Staff had been trained to recognise signs of potential abuse and how to report them. People reported feeling safe in the company of staff.
There were processes in place to manage identifiable risks. People had risk assessments in place to enable them to maintain their independence.
The provider carried out recruitment checks on new staff to make sure they were suitable to work at the service.
There were suitable and sufficient staff available to support people with their needs.
There was a system in place to ensure people were supported to take their medicines safely and at the appropriate times.
Staff had been provided with induction and ongoing essential training to keep their skills up to date. They were also provided with regular supervision and appraisal.
Staff ensured that people’s consent was gained before providing them with support.
People were supported to make decisions about their care and support needs; and this was underpinned by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
People were supported to maintain a balanced diet and were able to make choices on what they wished to eat and drink.
If required, people were supported by staff to access healthcare facilities and were registered with a GP.
Positive and caring relationships had been developed between people and staff.
There were processes in place to ensure that people’s views were acted on; and staff provided care and support to people in a meaningful way.
Where possible people were encouraged to maintain their independence and make decisions. Staff ensured their privacy and dignity were promoted.
Pre-admission assessments were carried out before people moved into the service. This was to ensure that their identified needs would be met.
A complaints procedure had been developed to enable people to raise concerns if they needed to.
There was an open and inclusive culture at the service; and the leadership was transparent and visible, which inspired staff to provide a quality service.
Effective quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service provided and to drive continuous improvements.