At the time of the inspection 40 people lived at Kelvedon House. This unannounced inspection was carried out over two days by two inspectors. We spoke with 11 people who lived there, four relatives, a visiting health professional, nine staff, the registered manager and provider. Some people were not able to tell us their views about the home. However people who we spoke with and their relatives were generally positive about the home. In March 2014 the provider changed the homes legal entity with CQC. This meant that previous non compliance in respect of this service was not carried over and the home was therefore inspected as a new registration.
We set out to answer our five questions; Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well lead? Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, discussion with people who lived at the home, their relatives, the staff supporting them, and by looking at records. If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.
Is the service safe?
One person told us, " Yes I do feel safe here". A relative told us, "The staff do everything they can to help my relative".
We saw that people were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. Some people were not able to tell us their views but some people who could tell us said that they felt safe living at the home.
Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff had a general understanding of their role in safeguarding people, but would benefit from some further training and support. The registered manager described to us their responsibilities in relation to Mental Capacity and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. This ensured they were aware of what they needed to do to ensure people's well being and safety.
The registered manager had determined staffing levels based on people's needs and was responsible for setting rotas. We saw from looking at rotas that senior staff were always on duty. This ensured that staff were available with the skills and knowledge needed to support people safely.
Systems were in place to promote learning from events including accident and incidents. This ensured that learning had taken place.
Is the service effective?
Visitors we spoke with confirmed that could visit throughout the day and they could meet with their relative in private. We saw that relatives were involved with people's care and some visitors supported their relatives at meal times and with aspects of their care.
People's health and care needs were assessed and care plans told staff what people's care needs were so they could support people consistently. Referrals had been made to external professionals so people got the support they needed to maintain their health and well being.
Staff had received most of the training they needed but some further training was needed to ensure that they had the skills and knowledge needed to care for people effectively. We have therefore asked the provider to tell us what they are going to do to meet the requirements of the law in relation to staff training to ensure the service is effective.
The registered manager told us that they were in the process of setting up care plan review meetings with people and their family to review people's care. They also planned to ask relatives to complete an satisfaction survey to gain their views about the care of their relative.
Is the service caring?
We saw that people were supported by staff that was caring and kind. People were not rushed. Staff spent time sitting and talking to people. A relative told us, "The staff are very good, it is not an easy job that they do".
We found that people's preferences and interests had mostly been reflected in their care plan. Staff that we spoke with knew the needs of the people they supported.
Is the service responsive?
We saw that people completed activities in and outside the service. We were told about a trip for five people to see a premier league football match. On the day we inspected some people went out shopping and for lunch. We saw some people taking part in a group activity and some people enjoying one to one conversations with staff. This meant that people had meaningful activities to take part in.
Relatives told us that they would speak to staff if they were not happy about something.
Meetings had taken place with people and their relatives to enable them to contribute ideas about how to improve the service. Requests had been made to improve the laundry arrangements and the quality of food. This had been listened and responded to.
Is the service well-lead ?
The manager had recently registered with us, CQC.
Staff told us that they felt supported in their role by senior staff and the manager. Staff told us that many improvements had been made at the home since the registered manager had been appointed.
We saw that systems were in place to ensure that the service was continuingly improved. Improvements had been made to the quality of food and the laundry facilities. Staff had received support to carry out their role, more activities were taking place and more specialised resources for people with dementia care needs were to be introduced.