20 December 2017
During a routine inspection
At the last inspection in June 2015, the home formed part of a larger service owned by the same provider and it was rated Good overall. This was the first inspection the service had undergone since the provider reduced the size of the service. At this inspection, the service continues to be rated Good.
There was a registered manager 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 were protected from the risks of harm or abuse because staff were trained in safeguarding and understood their responsibilities to raise any concerns with the registered manager. The registered manager made sure there were enough suitably skilled, qualified and experienced staff to support people safely and effectively. Risks to people's health and wellbeing were managed. However, medicines were not always managed safely and checks had not identified where improvements were required.
Staff had the skill, experience and support to enable them to meet people’s needs effectively. The registered manager checked staff’s suitability to deliver care and support during the recruitment process.
Staff worked within the principles of the MCA and supported people to have maximum choice and control of their lives. People were supported to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet that met their needs and preferences.
Staff monitored people’s health and referred them to other healthcare professionals to maintain and improve their health.
People, relatives and staff felt well cared for. People and their relatives were included in planning how they were cared for and supported. Staff understood people’s diverse needs and interests and supported them to enjoy their lives according to their preferences. Staff respected people’s right to privacy and supported people to maintain their independence.
People were encouraged to maintain their links with the local community and opportunities to engage in activities that were meaningful to them.
People knew how to complain and had the opportunity to share their views and opinions about the service they received.
The registered manager and the provider demonstrated they valued care staff and promoted their learning and development. There was an open culture at the service where staff felt well supported, able to raise any concerns and put forward suggestions for improvements. The provider’s quality monitoring system included checking people received the care and support they needed, however it was not always effective.