18 September 2014
During a routine inspection
We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask; Is the service safe, caring, responsive, effective and well led?
This is a summary of what we found-
Is the service safe?
People told us they felt safe in the home and we saw staff had a good awareness of their needs. People were cared for by staff who were supported in their work and encouraged to develop their own skills and knowledge in care provision. Risk assessments and plans of care held information to ensure staff were able to support people in a way which ensured their safety and welfare.
The home was developing more robust procedures to support people who could not make decisions about their care and treatment. CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which apply to care homes. We saw the home was in the process of applying for DoLS for several people following the assessment of people's capacity. The registered manager and provider told us they were working with the support of the local authority on identifying the needs of other people who may be vulnerable and unable to make informed decisions.
We saw the home had appropriate policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of people who were supported with their medicines.
Is the service caring?
People told us they were supported by kind and attentive staff. Staff treated people as individuals and provided care which was in line with needs. People told us staff were responsive to their needs at all times. We saw that people's needs were supported in a calm, dignified and respectful way. This meant people were cared for in a kind and respectful manner.
Is the service responsive?
People's needs were assessed to ensure they were met. People and their representatives were encouraged to participate in care planning and review. People were able to express their views of the care they received and have them acted upon.
Is the service effective?
We saw that people received care which was individualised and planned in line with their needs. People told us they received the care they needed to maintain their independence and dignity. It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of people's care and support needs and that they knew them well.
Is the service well-led?
People told us the registered manager and provider in this home were very approachable and responded to their views effectively. People told us the staff team worked well together and were very responsive to any concerns or issues they raised. Staff received appropriate training for their roles and were supported by the registered manager and provider to ensure any concerns they might have were heard. Records we looked at showed people's views and concerns were listened to by the management team and addressed in a timely way.