21 June 2016
During a routine inspection
There was no registered manager at the service. 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. The provider was actively recruiting for a new registered manager.
People felt safe living at Oaklands. People were protected from avoidable harm and abuse by staff who understood how to identify and report this. Staff were encouraged to raise concerns and were aware of who to speak with if they had any worries about anyone living at the home. Risks to individuals were managed and risk assessments in care plans were complete and up to date.
There were insufficient numbers of staff to meet people's care needs consistently and there were insufficient staff to support all people to follow interests when they wished. Medicines were managed safely and people received them in a timely manner.
Staff had the skills and knowledge to care for the people who lived in the home and training and induction for new staff was provided. Staff had an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and people's consent was sought, on most occasions, before they were supported with their personal care needs.
People had enough to eat and drink and were supported to maintain a balanced diet. There was a sufficient and varied diet and nutritional needs were identified. Where necessary, extra support was provided to people ensure they had adequate nutrition. People were supported to maintain good health and access to health and social care professionals was available when they required this.
There were positive caring relationships in the home between the staff and the people they cared for. People were supported to express their views on some occasions, though this was not consistent. People's privacy and dignity was respected and maintained. There was a complaints process for people to use should they wish to do this.
There was no registered manager in post but there was a deputy manager who was well regarded by both the staff and people living in the home. Quality audits in the home were undertaken but the action points from those was audits were not always actioned.