Archived: Jim Gillespie House

Updated 16 June 2018

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This was a comprehensive inspection, which took place on 24May 2018 and was unannounced. The inspection was undertaken by an inspector and an expert-by-experience. An expert-by-experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. The expert-by-experience had experience of supporting an older person who lived with dementia.

Before the inspection visit, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used information the provider sent us in the PIR in our inspection planning.

We also reviewed the information we held about the service. We looked at information received in the statutory notifications the registered manager had sent us. A statutory notification is information about important events which the provider is required to send to us by law.

During the inspection visit we spoke with five people who lived at the home, three relatives, the registered manager, two care staff and a cook.

We observed care and support delivered in communal areas and we observed how people were supported to eat and drink at lunch time. We reviewed one person’s care plans and daily records, staff recruitment records and management records of the checks the registered manager and provider made to assure themselves people received a safe, effective quality service.

Updated 16 June 2018

Jim Gillespie House is a residential care home for up to 30 older people. The service is provided over two floors with a lift to enable people to move around independently, and a secure garden.

At our last inspection we rated the service Good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of Good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

People were protected from the risks of abuse because staff were trained in recognising and reporting any safeguarding concerns. The registered manager checked staff were suitable for their role before they started working at the home and made sure there were enough staff to support people safely. Medicines were stored, administered and managed safely. The housekeeping staff followed best practice guidance to keep the home clean.

Risks to people's individual health and wellbeing were identified with the person and their representative and care was planned to minimise the identified risks. The provider and registered manager regularly checked that the premises, essential supplies and equipment were safe for people to use.

People were cared for and supported by staff who had the skills and training to meet their needs effectively. People were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet that met their preferences. People were referred to other healthcare services when their health needs changed. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People, relatives and staff felt well cared for. The registered manager and staff understood people's diverse needs and interests and encouraged them to maintain their independence according to their wishes and abilities. Staff respected people's right to privacy and supported people to maintain their dignity. People were supported and encouraged to socialise and to engage in stimulating activities. People and relatives were confident any concerns or issues they raised would be dealt with promptly.

People and relatives knew the registered manager well and were invited to share their views of the service through regular meetings and questionnaires. Staff were inspired by the registered manager's leadership, skills and experience to provide a quality service. The registered manager and provider regularly checked the quality of the service to make sure people’s needs were met safely and effectively. The service people received was in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.