Kemsing Road Respite Service

At the last inspection on 25 January 2016, the service was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People's health and social care needs had been appropriately assessed. Care plans were person-centred, and specific to each person and their needs. Care preferences were documented and staff we spoke with were aware of people's likes and dislikes. Care plans were regularly reviewed and were updated when people's needs changed.

Systems and processes were in place to help protect people from the risk of harm. Staff had received training in safeguarding adults and knew how to recognise and report any concerns or allegations of abuse. Risks to people were identified and managed so that people were safe.

Systems were in place to make sure people received their medicines safely. However records did not clearly reflect when people's stay had ended resulting in gaps in medicines records. The registered manager promptly addressed this issue during the inspection so there were no unexplained gaps.

Staff had been carefully recruited and provided with induction and training to enable them to support people effectively. They had the necessary support, supervision and appraisals from the management team.

Staff we spoke with had an understanding of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). Mental capacity assessments had been conducted and best interests decisions made where people lacked capacity to make specific decisions for themselves, in line with the MCA.

People were supported with their nutritional and hydration needs. Staff were aware of people's dietary requirements and the support they needed with their food and drink.

Procedures were in place for receiving, handling and responding to comments and complaints. We saw evidence that complaints had been dealt with appropriately and in a timely manner.

Staff told us that they received up to date information about the service and had an opportunity to share good practice and any concerns they had at team meetings. Staff spoke positively about working for the service.

The quality of the service was regularly monitored and regular audits and checks had been carried out by management. There were systems in place to make necessary improvements when needed.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found