The inspection was carried out on 2 and 3 February 2016 and was unannounced.
New Fairholme is registered to provide accommodation with nursing care for up to a maximum of 88 people. There were 84 people living at the home on the day of our inspection. People were cared for in four units over two floors. The Kingfisher and Kestrel units were situated on the first floor and provided support for people with physical health needs. On the ground floor were the Nightingale and Skylark units which provided support to people living with dementia.
There was a registered manager in post who was present during the inspection. 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.
People felt safe living at the home because there were enough staff to help them when they needed support. The provider had completed employment checks to ensure new staff were suitable and safe to work with the people living at the home.
Staff were aware of the risks associated with people’s health and what they needed to do to reduce the risk of harm or injury to them. Staff knew how to identify any signs of abuse and were clear who to report concerns to.
People were supported to take their medicines when they needed them. Medicines were secured safely and accurate records were maintained. Staff received regular competency assessment checks to ensure the ongoing safe management of medicine.
Staff told us they had good training opportunities that ensured they had the skills to care for people’s individual needs. Staff received regular one to one meetings where they gained support and guidance to enable them carry out the roles expected of them.
People were encouraged and supported to make decisions about their care and treatment. Staff sought people’s consent before supporting them and respected their wishes when they declined support. Where people were unable to make decisions for themselves we saw that decisions were made in their best interest to protect their human rights.
People were given choice about what they wanted to eat and drink. People’s nutritional needs were routinely assessed, monitored and reviewed. Where people required help to eat and drink they were supported in a kind and patient manner.
People were able to see health care professionals as and when required. Staff monitored people’s health and made referrals to other health care professionals when specialist advice and support was required.
People found staff friendly and caring. Staff used people’s preferred method of communication to involve them in decisions about their and treatment. People were treated with dignity and respect and staff promoted their independence.
People received individualised care from staff who knew them well and were able to respond quickly to changes in their needs. People were able to spend their time as they wished and had access to a range of activities to take part in.
People and their relatives were aware of the provider's complaints process and were confident that any concerns would be listened to an acted upon.
There was a friendly atmosphere at the home, people and their relatives found staff and the registered manager approachable and welcoming.
The provider encouraged feedback from people and their relatives and completed a range of checks to monitor the quality of the service. They used the information gathered to drive improvements in the service.