26 June 2014
During a routine inspection
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service, relatives and staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary, please read the full report.
We spoke with three people who used the service. We also spoke with the manager and three other members of staff. We looked at written records, which included copies of people's care records held in the office, staff personnel files and quality assurance documentation.
Is the service safe?
We saw that care plans and risk assessments were informative and up to date. Staff we spoke with were familiar with their contents, which enabled them to deliver appropriate and safe care.
People were protected by safe and effective recruitment practices. People were cared for by staff who were properly trained and supported to develop professionally.
Is the service effective?
People were treated with respect and were encouraged to promote their independence and community involvement.
People we spoke with were satisfied with the care and support they received and were complimentary about the care workers. This was consistent with positive feedback reported in the provider's own annual quality assurance survey. People were given information and support to help them understand the care and support available to them.
Is the service caring?
We spoke with three people who used the service. One person said to us, "The staff are really nice." Another person showed us their own fully en-suite flat and said to us, "This is my favourite house I have ever lived in. I'm happy now."
No one we spoke with raised any concerns with us. All interactions we witnessed between staff and people who used the service were encouraging and friendly.
Is the service responsive?
People were consulted about and involved in their own care planning and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes. Care plans and risk assessments were regularly reviewed.
Three staff members told us that the manager was approachable and they would have no difficulty speaking to them if they had any concerns about the service.
Is the service well led?
Staff said that they felt well supported by the manager and they were able do their jobs safely. The manager had a range of quality monitoring systems in place to ensure that care was being delivered appropriately by staff, that the service was continuously improving and that people were satisfied with the service they were receiving.