This inspection took place on 20 July 2016 and was announced.Tamar House specialises in the care of people who have a learning disability. It provides accommodation for up to 13 people who require personal and nursing care. On the day of our inspection there were 13 people living at the home.
At the time of our inspection 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.
On the day of our inspection we found that staff interacted well with people and people were cared for safely. The provider had systems and processes in place to safeguard people and staff knew how to keep people safe. Risk assessments were in place and accidents and incidents were monitored and recorded. Medicines were administered and stored safely.
The provider acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).If the location is a care home the Care Quality Commission is required by law to monitor the operation of the DoLS, and to report on what we find.
We found that people’s health care needs were assessed, and care planned and delivered to meet those needs. People had access to other healthcare professionals such as a dietician and GP. Staff were kind and sensitive to people when they were providing support. Staff had a good understanding of people’s needs. People were supported to pursue leisure activities and access local facilities.
Staff were aware of people’s need for privacy and dignity and made arrangements to provide this.
People were supported to eat enough to keep them healthy. People had access to drinks and snacks during the day and had choices at mealtimes. Where people had special dietary requirements we saw that these were provided for.
There was not always sufficient staff available to meet people’s needs. Staff were provided with training on a variety of subjects to ensure that they had the skills to meet people’s needs.
Staff felt able to raise concerns and issues with management. A process for raising concerns was in place. People and relatives knew how to complain and the provider recorded and monitored complaints.
Audits were carried out on a regular basis and action put in place to address any concerns and issues.