The Old Library

Updated 17 January 2019

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This comprehensive inspection took place on 23 and 29 November and was unannounced.

Before the inspection, we looked at information the provider sent us in the Provider Information Return (PIR). This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually, to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We looked at the notifications received from the service and reviewed all the intelligence CQC held, to help inform us about the level of risk for this service. We also contacted the local safeguarding team, commissioners and Healthwatch to request their views of the service. Healthwatch is the independent national champion for people who use health and social care services.

We looked at four people's care records and three medication administration records (MARs). We also looked at a selection of documentation in relation to the management and running of the service. This included quality assurance audits, complaints, accident and incident records, recruitment information for three members of staff, staff training records and policies and procedures.

We spoke with two people who used the service and three relatives. We spoke with two members of care staff, the registered manager, care coordinator, cook and activities coordinator. Two health and social care professionals provided written feedback.

We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.

Updated 17 January 2019

The inspection took place on 23 and 29 November 2018 and was unannounced.

The Old Library is a residential care home for up to 30 older people, some of whom may have dementia related conditions. At the time of our inspection 25 people were receiving a service. The home has three floors and lift access is available. There is parking available to the rear of the building and a patio area. There is a large lounge with a designated dining area one smaller lounge.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Staff continued to protect people from avoidable harm, were knowledgeable about safeguarding and able to raise concerns. Steps were taken to minimise risk where possible. Staff supported people to manage their medicines safely.

Systems were in place to recruit staff safely. They were supported through on-going supervision and accessed training relevant to people's needs, to ensure these could be met.

Staff worked in partnership with health and social care professionals in the monitoring and promotion of people's health. People were supported to maintain a nutritious diet and offered choices at meal times.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were supported by staff who were kind and caring; they promoted people’s independence and treated them with dignity and respect.

People’s care plans were kept up to date and reflected their individual needs and circumstances. People were supported in line with their preferences and supported to engage in social and leisure activities.

The provider had a system in place for responding to people's concerns and complaints. People were regularly asked for their views. There were effective systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided. There was a positive culture within the service and people felt the registered manager was approachable.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.