Alpha Community Care

People's experience of using this service: Risks to people's safety and well-being were not always managed through a risk management process. One person's risk assessment plan was not followed, putting the person at risk of harm.

Systems to ensure people were protected from the risk of infection were not always effective. Areas of the home were damaged, making it difficult to clean effectively. Dirt had accumulated, and some areas were mouldy. This presented a risk of infection.

The provider had quality assurance systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service. However, these systems were not always effective. The systems had failed to identify our concerns relating to risks and, although most of the infection control concerns had been identified, little or no action had been taken.

People living at the home received safe care from skilled and knowledgeable staff. Relatives told us they felt people were safe. Staff understood their responsibilities to identify and report any concerns. The provider had safe recruitment and selection processes in place. There were sufficient staff deployed to meet people's needs. Medicines were managed safely, and people received their medicines as prescribed.

People were supported to have choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the procedures in the service supported this practice. People were supported to maintain good health and to meet their nutritional needs.

Relatives told us staff were caring. Consistent staffing enabled people to receive good care from staff who knew them well. People had access to a variety of activities to prevent social isolation. However, activities could be improved and be more linked to people's interests and hobbies. The registered manager was taking action to address this.

The service had a clear management and staffing structure in place. Staff worked well as a team and had a sense of pride working at the service.

Rating at last inspection: At our last inspection we rated the service Good. Our last report was published in November 2016.