Maltreath Residential Care Home

People's records did not always contain the guidance and information needed to give people the care and support they needed in the way that suited them best. Detailed guidance was not always available to staff about how to mitigate risks to people and provide their care in the way they wanted. Staff were knowledgeable about people's needs and know what action to take if risks occurred.

The registered manager had not always informed the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of notifiable events that happened at service in a timely way. They had realised this shortfall by the time we inspected and informed CQC retrospectively.

The provider and manager had a vision of how the service needed to develop and was striving to develop and improve the service offered to people. A governance framework was in place which covered all aspects of the service and the care delivered. Numerous quality assurance audits had been completed. When shortfalls had been identified, action had been taken and plans were in place to continue with the improvements.

People lived in an environment that needed upgrading and refurbishment. The management team had a renovation action plan in place. Significant works had been completed and there were on-going improvements throughout the service.

People told us they felt safe at the service. Staff had completed training in safeguarding and knew how to recognise and report abuse or neglect. Accident and incidents were recorded and analysed to look for trends and themes. Lessons had been learnt when things had gone wrong, and the management were open and honest about mistakes they had made. Action had been taken to reduce the risk of them from happening again.

The service had a safe recruitment process which ensured only suitable staff were employed. There were enough staff on duty to make sure people received the personal care and support they needed when they needed it. Staff had the appropriate training to enable them to carry out their roles effectively.

Staff had been trained in the administration of medicines. People received their medicines as prescribed,

and the administration records were well kept. When people needed 'as and when' medicines there was guidance in place, so people were given there medicines consistently and safely. Staff had positive links with social and healthcare professionals which promoted people's wellbeing. Visiting professionals told us, "Maltreath has been very responsive and will not only follow professionals' advice but actively seek it in order to ensure they are following the right procedures and advice."

People were involved in planning changes at the service and the registered manager acted on feedback received from people and staff. Staff offered people choices in areas of their life and staff respected decisions they made. People told us they were supported to remain independent as possible.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.