The Woodlarks Centre is a residential care home for 23 people. There were 22 people living at the home at the time of inspection. The home supports people who may have complex needs and a learning disability. People also used the home for respite purposes. People had varied communication needs and abilities. Some people were able to express themselves verbally; others used body language, gesturing, vocalisations or a few key words to communicate their needs.
The service was run by a registered manager, who was present on the day of the inspection visit. ‘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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Risks to people were identified, but staff did not always have written information about how to manage the risks to people, although no harm came to anyone. We recommend that the registered manager to review people’s risk assessments in line with current guidance to ensure that there is a clear management plan in place.
People’s needs and preferences were not always recorded in people’s care plans. Care plans were not always personalised. We recommend that the registered manager reviews peoples care plans in line with current guidance to ensure that they are more personalised.
There were sufficient staff to keep people safe. There were recruitment practises in place to ensure that staff were safe to work with people. However some employment records had gaps in people’s employment history.
People were protected from avoidable harm. Staff received training in safeguarding adults and were able to demonstrate that they knew the procedures to follow should they have any concerns.
People’s medicines were administered stored and disposed of safely. Staff were trained in the safe administration of medicines and kept relevant records that were accurate.
People’s human rights were protected as the registered manager ensured that the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were followed. Where people were assessed to lack capacity to make some decisions, mental capacity assessment and best interest meetings were evidenced. Staff were heard to ask peoples consent before they provided care.
Where people’s liberty may be restricted to keep them safe, the provider had followed the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) to ensure the person’s rights were protected.
People had sufficient to eat and drink. People were seen to be offered choice of what they would like to eat and drink.
People were supported to maintain their health and well-being. People had regular access to health and social care professionals.
Staff were trained and had sufficient skills and knowledge to support people effectively. There was a training programme in place and training to meet people’s needs. Staff received regular supervision.
Positive and caring relationships had been established. Staff interacted with people in a kind and caring manner.
People and their relatives were involved in planning peoples care. People’s choices and views were respected by staff. People’s privacy and dignity was respected.
People enjoyed the activities on offer.
The service listened to people, staff and relative’s views. The management welcomed feedback from people and acted upon this if necessary. The management promoted an open and person centred culture.
Staff told us they felt supported by the registered manager. Relatives told us they felt that the management was approachable and responsive.
There were robust procedures in place to monitor, evaluate and improve the quality of care provided. Staff were motivated and aware of their responsibilities. The registered manager understood the requirements of CQC and sent appropriate notifications.