Background to this inspection
Updated
8 November 2017
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 inspection took place on 21 September 2017and was unannounced. The inspection was carried out by two inspectors.
Prior to this inspection we reviewed all the information we held about the service, including data about safeguarding and statutory notifications. Statutory notifications are information about important events which the provider is required to send us by law. This enabled us to ensure we were addressing potential areas of concern at the inspection. The provider had completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). The PIR is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.
During our inspection we observed the care people received and spoke with the registered manager, the provider and three members of care staff. We spoke with five people who used the service and one relative.
We reviewed a range of documents about people’s care and how the home was managed. We looked at three care plans, medicines administration records, risk assessments, accident and incident records, complaints records, policies and procedures and internal audits.
Updated
8 November 2017
The inspection took place on 21 September 2017 and was unannounced. Alvington House is a residential care home providing accommodation, personal care and support for up to 25 people. There were 8 people living at the service at the time of our inspection.
There was a registered manager in post who was present during our inspection. 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.
People were protected from the risk of abuse as staff understood their responsibilities in safeguarding people. Risks to people’s safety were assessed and control measures implemented in order to keep them safe. Records of accidents and incidents were maintained and action taken to minimise the risk of them happening again. The provider had developed a contingency plan to ensure that people would continue to receive their care in the event of an emergency.
People were supported by sufficient staff to meet their needs and did not need to wait for their care to be provided. Robust recruitment processes were in place to ensure that only suitable staff were employed. Staff received an induction when starting work at the service and regular training and supervision was provided. There was an open culture within the service and staff felt able to discuss any concerns openly with the registered manager and provider.
People received their medicines in line with prescription guidelines and medicines were stored safely. People received support from healthcare professionals and guidance provided was followed by staff. People’s weight was regularly monitored and a choice of nutritious food provided. People were involved in decisions regarding their care and the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were followed by staff.
Staff treated people with kindness and were attentive to their needs. There was a relaxed atmosphere in the service and people were able make choices regarding how they spent their time. Staff knew people well and spent time socialising with people. People were encouraged to maintain and develop their independence. Visitors were made to feel welcome and there were no restrictions on the times people could receive visitors.
People’s needs were assessed prior to them moving into the service and people’s care records were regularly reviewed with them. Guidance was available to staff regarding how people preferred their care to be provided and we observed this was followed. A range of activities were provided which reflected people’s individual hobbies and interests.
Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the service provided and action was taken where any concerns were identified. There was a complaints policy which gave guidance on how to raise concerns which was prominently displayed. People and relatives told us they were confident that any concerns would be addressed by the registered manager. People were able to contribute to the running of the service and regular feedback was sought. Records were well maintained and securely stored.