We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask:.Is the service safe?
.Is the service effective?
.Is the service caring?
.Is the service responsive?
.Is the service well-led?
This is the summary of what we found.
Is the service safe?
Risk assessments were in place. Audits were carried out to look at accidents and incidents and the necessary action was taken to keep people safe.
Information was available to show that the service worked with other agencies to help ensure people's health needs were met and to prevent admissions to hospital wherever possible.
The necessary checks were carried out to ensure the building was safe and fit for purpose.
People who used the service said they felt safe.
Is the service effective?
We saw the service provided care to some older people with dementia and cognitive impairment. The service was quite well-equipped to meet these specialist needs.
People commented how helpful and friendly staff were. Relatives told us the service kept them up to date with what was happening with their relative's care and they felt able to ask any questions. Several people we spoke with commented how pleased they were with the care provided by staff at the home. We observed staff were patient and supportive as they worked with people.
Is the service caring?
We observed the interaction and noted the kind and caring way staff supported people, especially people with dementia. One relative commented. "The lasses are great." and; "Staff are all very caring." Another commented. "The care is excellent." Staff were helpful and offered people information and support about their care. We observed staff interacted well with people. It was evident that staff had developed a good understanding of people's communication needs and how best to communicate with them.
Is the service responsive?
Information was collected by the service with regard to the person's ability and level of independence before they moved into the service. Various assessments were completed by the manager of the service with the person and/or their family to help make sure staff could meet their needs. Regular reviews were carried out with the person who used the service and their representative to make sure people's support plans were kept up to date. This helped ensure staff provided the correct amount of care and support.
Referrals for specialist advice were made when staff needed guidance to ensure the health needs of people were met.
People's individual needs were taken into account and they, or their representative if they were not able, were involved in decision making with regard to their care. They were kept informed and given some information to help them understand the care and choices available to them, this was developed to include and involve people with dementia.
Information collected by the service gave staff some insight into the interests and areas of importance to the person. Activity provision was developed to help ensure activities reflected people's interests and provided stimulation to people with dementia, if they wished to become involved.
Regular meetings took place with staff and people who used the service and their relatives to discuss the running of the service and to ensure the service was responsive in meeting the changing needs of people.
Is the service well-led?
Staff we spoke with were enthusiastic about their role working with people and they were knowledgeable about the support needs of people. Staff said they felt supported by the manager and advice and support was available from the management team.
We saw there was a focus from management on the provision of individual care and support to people who used the service. There was an emphasis about individualised care and support to people. One person said; "They are respectful. I can get up and go to bed when I like, I decide. I do go along with what it said but if there was anything that I was not happy about then I would say so."
We saw people had the opportunity to comment on the quality of the service and that they felt able to speak to the manager and staff about any issues. Comments included; "The care is excellent." Another person commented; "The staff are very kind and friendly." And; "We are well looked after."