Our inspection was unannounced and took place on 27 January 2016. The provider is registered to accommodate and deliver personal care to seven people. At the time of our inspection seven people lived at the home. People lived with a learning disability and/or other related needs.
The home had been taken over by a new provider. This was their first inspection since being registered with us in 2014.
The previous manager had recently de-registered and a new manager told us that they were in the process of applying to be the registered manager. It is a legal requirement that a registered manager is in post. 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 not meeting all legal requirements as they had not notified us of five Deprivation of Liberty Safeguardings (DoLS) approvals as they are required to do.
Quality monitoring systems were in place but had not identified that some processes and records needed a review.
The staff had received training on procedures they should follow to ensure the risk of harm and/or abuse was reduced.
The staff had been trained to manage medicines safely. Medicines were given to people as they had been prescribed.
Helpful and kind staff were provided in sufficient numbers to meet people’s needs.
The recruitment processes the provider followed ensured that unsuitable staff was not employed.
Staff received induction training and the day to day support and guidance they needed to ensure they met people’s needs and kept them safe.
Staff understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). This ensured that people received care in line with their best interests and would not be unlawfully restricted.
People were encouraged to make decisions about their care. If they were unable to their relatives were involved in how their care was planned and delivered.
Staff supported people with their nutrition and dietary needs to prevent malnutrition and dehydration.
People received assessments and/or treatment when it was needed from a range of health care professionals which helped to prevent deterioration of their health and well-being.
People were offered and enabled to engage in recreational activities that they enjoyed and met their preferred needs.
Systems were in place for people and their relatives to raise their concerns or complaints if they had a need.
People, their relatives, and staff felt that the quality of service was good.