On this visit we found the home much improved. Many areas had been redecorated. The home was clean and tidy. Staff had devised systems to follow to ensure all areas were routinely cleaned and then checked. New equipment had been purchased to improve infection control procedures in bathrooms and toilets.
We found people living at the home were supported to maintain a healthy diet. People were supported also to eat and drink safely if they had special digestive needs. The premises where people lived were safe and suitable for their needs. The premises were also safe for staff and visitors.
We found the complaints system was designed to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities.
We were concerned about the cleanliness of the home. Some areas were cleaned effectively, but there were no systems in place for cleaning to be carried out routinely and effectively in all places. The home was also not being effectively audited to check if cleaning standards were acceptable.
The care and support we observed from staff was given with patience, kindness, experience and warmth. Staff knew people well and knew how to care for them safely and effectively. Staff gained valid consent from people where they were able to. They otherwise made day-to-day decisions for people in their best interests. Bigger decisions required for people who could not give consent were made following the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
People were helped to eat and drink sufficiently. We found one person had gained weight lately and made staff aware we were concerned this was becoming a problem. There were sufficient staff to support people's needs and to run the home safely. The medicines people were prescribed were safely managed. People had relevant information kept about them and about the running of the home. This information was held securely and confidentially. We found some of the support plans reflected staff opinions, but were written as the person's opinion when the person was not able to give a view. We brought this to the attention of staff for review.