The inspection was undertaken by the lead inspector for the service. We set out to answer five important questions. Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service well led?
Below is a summary of what we found.
There were three people resident at the home when we carried out this inspection. Two people living at the home had significant communication difficulties and were unable to provide feedback about the support they received. We contacted relatives who were closely involved in their care arrangements and were able to tell us their views of the care provided at Long Lane Farm.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
Risk management plans were in place and these provided staff with clear guidance to follow to minimise identified risks.
Staff training, written guidance and appropriate working practices helped to keep people safe and protected against any potential abuse.
The staff training programme helped to ensure staff were working in ways which supported the health and safety of those living at the home.
The relatives we spoke with expressed confidence in the staff team.
Is the service effective?
Staff knew people well and were able to provide care and support in the way individuals preferred. Detailed communication profiles had been developed to assist staff in understanding how people expressed their feelings and the support required to make choices about their day to day lives.
Support planning and assessment information included people's likes and dislikes regarding meals and any help they needed. Each person living at the home had particular needs and issues relating to the food they ate and the importance of meals in their daily routines. There was clear guidance for staff to follow regarding how best to support people with their nutritional needs. Independence was promoted. People were supported to join in with preparing meals and snacks, according to their wishes and abilities.
The training programme equipped staff for their work role and helped promote good standards of care. Staff spoke positively about the training provided. Comments included; 'If any new legislation or directive comes in, you have to do the training.' And 'I have worked here for a long time and am experienced but still have refresher training to keep me updated.'
Is the service caring?
We observed staff interacting with people in a kind and friendly manner. We saw that staff were considerate, respectful of people's wishes, and delivered care and support in a way that maintained people's dignity. Relationships between staff and residents appeared warm and friendly.
People's preferences and needs were recorded and their care was provided in line with their wishes.
The staff we spoke with showed a good understanding of the needs of the people they were supporting. Staff showed an understanding of what people wanted when they had difficulty in expressing themselves.
Relatives told us they had confidence in the staff team. Comments included; 'they have a pool of experienced staff, some very good people.' And '(name of person) is very close to the staff. They know him well.'
Is the service responsive?
Support plans were person centred and gave staff clear guidance to follow regarding how they were to meet people's needs.
Risks were identified and plans were put in place to minimise these risks. Staff received specific training to help them to respond appropriately to some areas of need. This included how best to support an individual with epilepsy who required specific input at certain times.
Changes, such as ill health were responded to swiftly and records showed good contact was maintained with health care professionals.
Is the service well led?
Staff and relatives told us there was an open culture with opportunities for them to share their views and make suggestions. Staff spoke favourably about the support they received. Comments included, 'You can raise anything at any time. You don't have to wait for a meeting.' And 'There is always someone to go to for advice. You can ask anything.'
The quality assessment and monitoring systems promoted the effective management of risks relating to health, welfare and safety of those living at the home.