We undertook an inspection of The Old School House residential care home on 2nd July 2014. During the inspection we spoke with three staff. The registered manager was not present on the day of the inspection as she had attended a training course. We also spoke with three of the people who used the service and encouraged each individual to communicate using their preferred method of communication.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 caring?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service safe?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service well led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, their relatives, the staff supporting them and from looking at records. If you would like to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs) which applies to care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and how to submit one. Policies and procedures had been developed by the registered provider to provide guidance for staff on how to safeguard the care and welfare of the people using the service. This included guidance on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and (DoLs).
We looked at the safety of the premises and found that it was suitable to meet the needs of the people living at the service. We found that special adaptations had been put in place to support people to remain independent.
Systems were in place to make sure that managers and staff learn from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations.
Is the service effective?
Feedback received from people using the service was positive and confirmed people were happy with the standard of care provided. Comments included: "I like it here; I get to go into the community'. Likewise, in relation to meals, one person reported: "The food is great I get to choose and help cook and sometimes we have takeaway'.
All of the people living in the home had an individual support plan which set out their support needs. People told us they had been fully involved in the assessment of their health and care needs and had contributed to developing their care plan.
Is the service caring?
On the day of our visit the general atmosphere in the home was calm and relaxed. The people living at the service were observed to be comfortable and relaxed in their home environment and were able to follow their own plans and preferred routines. Staff were attentive to the diverse needs of the people living in the property and were noted to communicate and engage with the people they supported in a respectful, dignified and caring manner.
Staff were aware of people's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs. Our observations of the care provided, discussions with people, and records we looked at told us that individual wishes for care and support were taken into account and respected.
One person who lived at the service told us 'I have lived here a long time, the staff really help me'.
Is the service responsive?
People told us they were able to participate in a range of activities both in the home and in the local community. The activities included ones that people could enjoy as a group, and others that met their individual interests.
People told us they were regularly involved in reviewing their plans of care; and their choices were listened to. We saw evidence in care plans that people had identified their own goals. One person had stated they wished to go swimming and we noted that this plan had been put in place. One person told us that they had wanted to go on holiday. We saw evidence and talked with staff and this confirmed that the person who lived at the service had gone to Butlin's on holiday.
Is the service well- led?
People's personal care records, and other records kept in the home, were accurate and complete. The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way. We noted this when we viewed people's annual reviews and noted that outside agencies had been involved in the person's review process.
The service has a quality assurance system, we were told that identified shortfalls were addressed promptly.
Staff told us that the home had received an award for good care practices and we were shown the trophy that was awarded to the home.