Archived: Vrandavan Care Home

Vrandavan Care Home is a care home that provides residential care for up to 16 people. The service specialises in caring for Gujarati Asian Elders whose first language is Gujarati. The accommodation is over two floors, accessible by using the lift and stairs. At the time of our inspection there were 16 people in residence.

A registered manager was in post. 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 told us they felt safe and protected from harm. The provider had taken steps to minimise the risk of abuse and staff understood their responsibility in protecting people from the risk of harm.

People’s care needs were assessed including risks to their health and safety. Care plans were updated and centred on people’s needs, which included the measures to help promote their safety and independence. Care plans provided staff with clear guidance about people’s needs which were monitored and reviewed regularly.

People told us staff that looked after them well. People’s safety was assured by the provider’s staff recruitment procedures and the training provided. People’s needs were taken into account to ensure there were sufficient numbers of staff to promote their safety and wellbeing.

People lived in an environment that was safe and comfortable and had access to a secure garden, which people could use safely.

People received their medicines at the right times. There was clear guidance for staff to follow and the systems to store, manage and administer medicines safely were safe. People had access to health support and referrals were made to relevant health care professionals where there were concerns about people’s health.

People were provided with a choice of traditional Guajarati vegetarian meals in line with preferences and dietary needs.

Staff were trained, supported and had their work appraised to ensure they had the knowledge and skills to support people. The management team and staff had a good understanding of the key principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People’s consent had been obtained and recorded.

Vrandavan Care Home had a warm and a happy atmosphere. People were supported by kind and caring staff and we saw many positive interactions between staff, the people using the service, and relatives, who were involved in communal life and could observe their faith at the service. People told us staff were respectful in their approach and promoted their dignity and independence.

People were involved and made decisions about their care and support needs. Care plans were focused on the person and incorporated advice from health and social care professionals. People were supported to maintain their independence and take part in hobbies, activities that were of interest to them and observe their faith. People’s care needs were reviewed and took account of people’s wishes and choices.

People told us if they had any concerns or complaints they would tell the registered manager. The views and opinions of people who used the service, their relatives and staff were sought in a number of ways including meetings and surveys. Staff felt supported by the management team and understood their role and what was expected of them in providing quality care to people who used the service.

People were confident in how the service was managed and the abilities of the management team to ensure the service provided was effective. The provider had systems to monitor and assure people who resided at Vrandavan Care Home that they received a quality care service that was consistent and met people’s individual needs.

During our visit we observed staff interacting with people and found they were kind and respectful at all times. The staff were representative of the culture of people who used the service and were able to communicate with people in their own language. We found people's religious needs had been considered and respected. The home provided vegetarian Indian meals and supported people to attend the temple. In addition people had access to Asian television channels and activities that included religious readings and singing.

Staff had a good understanding of the needs of people who used the service and demonstrated a good rapport with people. We found that people were confident approaching staff and that carers were responsive to people's needs.

We saw that people had a choice about whether to spend their time in their room or in the communal areas. People were engaged in reading, singing or yoga in the main living room and staff participated in these activities.

We looked at the records of three people who used the service and found care plans were detailed and thorough and provided clear guidance to staff about how the persons' care should be delivered.

Staff had been appropriately screened to ensure they were suitable to work with vulnerable people.

There were appropriate arrangements were in place for the obtaining, recording and administration of medicine.

Records were accurate and fit for purpose.