At the time of this inspection seventeen people lived at Sandford House. We spoke with ten people living at the home, in small groups and individually, to obtain their views of the support provided. In addition, we spoke with the registered provider, the registered manager and all of the staff on duty which included the senior carer, a carer and the domestic staff about their roles and responsibilities.We gathered evidence against the outcomes we inspected to help answer our five key questions; is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service well led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on speaking with people using the service, the staff supporting them and from looking at records.
If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read our full report.
Is the service safe?
People supported by the service, or their representatives told us they felt safe.
People told us they felt their rights and dignity were respected.
Systems were in place to make sure managers and staff learned from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations. This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.
We found that risk assessments had been undertaken to identify any potential risk and the actions required to manage the risk. This meant people were not put at unnecessary risk but also had access to choice and remained in control of decisions about their care and lives.
The home had proper policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards although no applications had needed to be submitted. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made and how to submit one. This meant people would be safeguarded as required.
The service was safe, clean and hygienic.
Is the service effective?
People's health and care needs were assessed with them and their representatives, and they were involved in writing their plans of care. Specialist needs had been identified in care plans where required.
Staff were provided with training to ensure they had the skills to meet people's needs. Staff were provided with formal individual supervision and appraisals at an appropriate frequency to ensure they were adequately supported and their performance was appraised. The manager was accessible to staff for advice and support.
Is the service caring?
We asked people using the service for their opinions about the support provided. Feedback from people was positive, for example; 'they (staff) are all right, very good', 'they (staff) give me the help I need, they know what I am like' and 'it's all right here. I am much healthier now. They (staff) have helped to sort me out, get me better'.
When speaking with staff it was clear that they genuinely cared for the people they supported and had a detailed knowledge of the person's interests, personality and support needs.
People using the service and their relatives completed an annual satisfaction survey. Where shortfalls or concerns were raised these were addressed.
People's preferences and interests had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.
Is the service responsive?
People's individual choices regarding how they spent their day were supported by staff.
People's dietary preferences were known and supported by staff. People told us, 'they (staff) know what we like, there's always an alternative (to the menu). They are very good like that' and 'the food is good. We've no complaints at all'.
People spoken with said they had never had to make a complaint but knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. We found appropriate procedures were in place to respond to and record any complaints received. People could be assured that systems were in place to investigate complaints and take action as necessary.
Is the service well-led?
The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way.
The service had a quality assurance system. Records seen by us showed that if shortfalls were identified they were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuingly improving.
Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and quality assurance processes were in place. This helped to ensure that people received a good quality service at all times.