Our inspection team was made up of one inspector. We gathered evidence against the outcomes we inspected to help answer the five key questions: Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led? We looked at a range of records, spoke with the manager and three staff. We observed the interactions between staff and people living at Moordale Court and engaged with people who used the service. We also spoke with the relatives of one person who lives at Moordale Court.
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection and from speaking with manager and staff. Also from our observation of how staff supporting people lived at Moordale Court.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
We saw that there were systems in place to keep people safe. People were provided with appropriate levels of staffing and observation to keep them safe.
There were effective systems in place for the ongoing maintenance and servicing of equipment. There were also good systems in place in respect of fire safety and fire training. We saw that Moordale Court was well maintained, clean and homely.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. The home had proper policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. The manager had received training in regard to this and understood the action that needed to be taken should the need arise. Staff had also completed safeguarding of vulnerable adults training which incorporated information about the Mental Capacity Act.
Is it effective?
People all had their needs assessed and had individual care, which set out their care needs. We observed how aspects of care detailed within people's care plan were delivered by staff. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of the people's care and support needs and that they knew them well.
Staff knew how and when to involve other health and social care professionals. We saw lots of evidence contained within people's care records
Is it caring?
People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that staff engaged with people in a positive way and showed respect, kindness and gave people gentle encouragement. We saw them involving people in individual activities and give encouragement and praise.
People's needs had been assessed and care plans put in place which detailed people's needs and preferences. These records provided comprehensive information to staff on what care and support people who lived at Moordale Court needed.
People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded in their care records. Care and support had been provided in accordance with people's needs.
Is it responsive?
There was clear evidence contained within people's care plans to show how they worked with other health and social care professionals. We saw lots of evidence of multi-agency working and also of annual health checks.
It is well led?
The service worked well with other agencies and services, to make sure people received their care in a joined up way.
The home had a registered manager. There were systems in place to assure the quality of the service they provided. The way the service was run was regularly reviewed, although this was not always formally recorded.
Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and were knowledgeable about people's needs. This helped to ensure that people received a good quality service at all times.
What people told us.
During this inspection we were unable to engage people in any detailed verbal communication. We did however carry out some observations while people were in the service. We saw that staff treated people with dignity and respect. We saw that there was a real sense of well-being, with lots of smiles, singing and positive non-verbal communication. One person we spoke with indicated they were settled and happy in the home and told us about the music they liked to listen to.
One relative we spoke with said, 'They are well cared for, we are kept well informed and have a good rapport with the staff.'
We saw that staff had a good understanding of people's non-verbal cues and were very quick to respond to them.
Staff told us about the various activities available. These included attendance at a local day centre, going out for walks and outings. Staff said, 'We provide person centred care, there is a loose routine but it is flexible, based around individual needs.'
We also saw within the home that people accessed activities suitable for them. Their individual bedrooms were well personalised. One person was engaged in arts and crafts, while another was using musical instruments.