27 August 2015
During a routine inspection
The inspection took place on 27 August 2015 and was unannounced.
The home provides accommodation for a maximum of five people requiring personal care. There were five people living at the home when we visited. A registered manager was in post when we inspected the service. 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.
People responded warmly to care staff looking after them and engaged with them in a friendly and positive manner. Relatives told us they had no concerns and that care staff knew what to do to keep them safe.
People received care from staff who understood their individual health needs and how to manage risks when caring for them. People were supported to take their medications. People received their medicines at the correct time and medications were safely administered and stored. The registered manager made regular checks to ensure people received their medication correctly.
People received care and support from staff who were regularly supervised and who could discuss aspects of people’s care they were unsure of. People received care from staff that understood their needs and knew their individual requirements. Staff received regular training and understood well how to care for people.
People’s consent was appropriately obtained by staff. People who could not make decisions for themselves were supported by staff within the requirements of the law. The registered manager understood the requirements of the law and had responded appropriately.
People enjoyed their food and were supported to prepare their own drinks and meals. People were offered choices at mealtimes and were supported with special dietary requirements. Staff understood people’s needs and preferences and ensured people received the food they liked.
People’s health needs were assessed regularly and care staff understood how they should care for people. Staff kept families informed about their relative’s care and were appropriate involved them in the decision making. People accessed other health professionals as appropriate.
People liked the staff who cared for them and responded positively to them by seeking reassurance through tactile affection. People’s privacy and dignity were respected and people were supported to make choices. People’s individual circumstances were considered when caring for people.
People were supported to take part in activities they liked or had an interest in. Care staff understood each person’s interests and positively encouraged participation in both decision making as well as the actual activity.
People were relaxed around the registered manager. Staff caring for people were positive about the registered manager and felt part of a team that understood the people who lived there as well each person’s role within the team.
People’s care was regularly checked and reviewed by the registered manager. The quality of care people received was routinely reviewed to ensure it could be monitored and improvements made where required. People were involved in making decisions about their care and how the service was delivered. People were kept updated by the registered manager and provider about issues affecting their care.