At the time of our inspection there were two people living at One Stratton Road. One inspector carried out this inspection.We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask.
' Is the service safe?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service caring?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service well-led?
This is a summary of what we found '
Is the service safe?
We spoke with one person living at One Stratton Road. They told us they felt safe living there. They said 'I like it here, it's all good.'
People were aware of, and had access to advocacy services.
Care plans provided guidance for staff on how to meet people's needs in a way which minimised the risk for the individual. Where people were at risk, staff followed effective risk management policies and procedures to protect the person. This ensured that staff were able to support people whilst respecting their dignity and protecting their rights.
People were safe because care staff knew what to do when safeguarding concerns arose. Staff had received appropriate training and followed policies and procedures. Information regarding safeguarding and what to do was available within the home.
There was a member of senior staff available on-call in case emergencies arose.
Is the service effective?
People and/or those that matter to them were involved in planning their care and support. We spoke with one person's relative who told us 'staff are trying everything to make X's life full.'
Referrals are quickly made to health services when people's needs change. One health professional we spoke with confirmed that the home were quick to respond to health issues raised by the person or their representative.
Is the service caring?
We asked one person if the staff asked them what sorts of things they liked to do. They told us 'Yes.' A relative we spoke with said 'The staff are lovely and friendly. It's so good to see X looking so happy.'
We saw that staff showed concern for people's well-being. Staff knew the people they were caring for and supporting, including their preferences and personal histories.
People were treated with dignity and staff respected people's privacy. We saw that staff knocked on people's bedroom doors before entering. Staff called people by their preferred name.
People could discuss their needs for end of life. We saw one person was being supported by their family to complete an 'end of life' care plan which included funeral arrangements.
People's care and welfare needs were assessed. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with care staff that they had a good understanding of the people's care and support needs. Care plans reflected people's current individual needs, preferences and choices.
Is the service responsive?
People and those that matter to them were encouraged to make their views known about their care and support and these were respected. We observed staff asking people if they wanted to take part in activities and then respecting their wishes if they refused.
People living at One Stratton Road had information on how to make a complaint. We discussed with the registered manager that this was not available in an accessible format. We looked at how the service dealt with complaints. The service had not received any complaints since our last inspection.
The service worked well with other agencies, health professionals and family members to make sure people received consistent care. Records contained details of appointments with health professionals and any outcomes. We saw that referrals were made to the appropriate health services when people's needs changed.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care settings. While no applications had been submitted, appropriate policies and procedures were in place. Staff had received training in the Mental Capacity Act and the application of DoLS.
Is the service well-led?
Care staff were motivated and caring and said they felt supported by management. They received regular supervision and appraisals were they could discuss personal development and learning opportunities.
Care staff were clear about their roles and responsibilities and the needs of the people they were supporting. This helped to ensure that people received a good quality service.
People who used the service received care and support from staff who were competent to carry out their roles. All staff received a comprehensive induction when they started their job. Further learning and development of staff was identified based on the needs of the people they were supporting.
The service had quality assurance systems in place which took into account feedback from people using the service or others acting on their behalf, observations of staff and complaints. Records we reviewed showed that where issues had been identified actions had been taken to resolve them.
There were some arrangements in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies. Staff had access to an on-call system at all times to support them in the event of an emergency and had received basic first aid training. There were fire evacuation procedures in place. There was an emergency contingency plan in place. This detailed such things as what to do in the event of staffing shortages, loss of utilities and infection control.