We considered all the evidence we 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 '
Is the service caring?
People's needs were assessed and care delivered in relation to their identified needs. People were able to access outside events or visit local facilities. We saw that care plans were detailed and took note of advice from outside agencies or other health professionals. We saw that staff approached and dealt with people in a friendly, caring and patient manner and anticipated their needs.
Is the service responsive?
People's care plans were reviewed as their needs changed. Staff we spoke with told us that all of the people who used the service had been there for around eight or nine years, so they knew them well and had a good understanding of their needs, likes and dislikes. One staff member told us, 'It is really like having an extended family; you get involved in the same way.'
Staff told us, and records confirmed that people engaged in a range of activities such as attending a local church, visits to day centres and similar services, attending a tea dance at a local community centre and shopping trips. The manager told us that one person regularly goes fishing with a staff member and showed us photographs of a recent trip to Fontburn reservoir.
Is the service safe?
We found that medication administration records (MARs) were detailed and contained information on the name of the medicine, the dose to be given, how it was to be given and when during the day. We saw that each medication was signed for by two staff members, to say that it had been given correctly.
Staff records contained evidence that people had submitted a formal application and had been subject to a selection process. We saw that prospective staff had been subject to identity checks through the checking of passports and other personal documents and had undertaken a disclosure and barring service (formerly CRB) check.
The CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. The manager told us she was aware of the recent ruling on DoLS by the Supreme Court, was reviewing the implications for the people at Chibburn Court and would make any necessary applications in due course.
Is the service effective?
We looked at the care plans of people who used the service and found that they were reviewed regularly and updated as people's needs changed.
The home had a compliments book for relatives or visiting professionals to write comments in. We saw one recent comment from a relative which read, 'Been to visit relative. She looks well and that makes us happy. The staff at Chibburn Court are all so lovely and friendly.'
The manager showed us a copy of the homes most recent quarterly performance review, undertaken by the provider's quality and performance team. We saw the review confirmed that 94% of supervisions had been undertaken and 89% of staff had been subject to an annual personal development review. With the exception of two items all mandatory training subjects were 100% complete.
Is the service well led?
The manager told us that she carried out a range of checks and audits on the home and the care delivery. We saw copies of documents regarding checks on medication, care records, equipment and the general environment within the home, cleaning audits and work station assessments.
We found that daily records maintained, as part of the people's care were up to date and contained good detail of events, activities and the care that had been delivered.
We saw that any incidents at the home were also recorded, investigated and followed up.
Staff confirmed that they had access to regular supervision sessions and yearly appraisals.