Edge Hall Care Home

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

At this inspection we found the service remained good.

There was a registered manager in post working at the service. 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.

During the inspection we identified that some health and safety records were difficult to locate and we saw one person's records relating to care had not been updated to reflect current support. The registered manager took swift action to address these areas, so that records were more organised and those relating to care updated. We found no evidence of health and safety checks not being undertaken and people received the care and support they needed.

People's medicines were administered as prescribed by staff who were trained and deemed competent. PRN ('as and when') medicines were administered when people needed them.

In June 2017 CQC published Registering the Right Support. This along with associated good practice guidance sets out the values and standards of support expected for services supporting people with a learning disability. At this inspection we assessed the service in line with this guidance.

Edge Hall Care Home met most of the values and principles of Registering the Right Support and associated guidance. Current good practice guidance encompasses the values of choice, independence, inclusion and living as ordinary a life as any citizen. We found that the staffing arrangements supported these values. The size and layout did not support the values of Registering the Right Support, as the guidance recommends that people live in small settings. However, Edge Hall Care home presented with a homely atmosphere and people and relatives told us Edge Hall Care Home felt like "Someone's own home", rather than a care home. Staff provided people with the required support to learn or retain everyday living skills. People and relatives told us the staff were committed to this support.

Quality assurance systems and processes were in place to monitor standards in the care home and to drive forward improvements. This included audits of key areas such as, care and medicines. These systems were effective and we observed that appropriate action had been taken to address issues where they had been identified.

People had support plans which provided important information to staff regarding the level of support people needed. Information about people's personal histories, likes and dislikes were recorded, along with detailed information as to how people communicated to help staff get to know people.

People's comments about staff were very positive. We observed examples where people were treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Throughout the inspection it was apparent that positive relationships had been developed between people and staff. People's consent was sought and people's choices and preferences round day-to-day decisions were respected.

People took part in a range of social activities and volunteering programmes of their choice. This promoted good social interaction and helped to prevent people from becoming isolated. People told us how much they enjoyed their social arrangements.

Edge Hall Care Home was clean and promoted a homely environment. The care home was going through a period of building works and decoration. People's rooms were being decorated and people were involved with choosing their own colour schemes. Equipment and aids were available to support people to ensure their comfort, independence and safety.

The service was working in line with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. This meant that people's rights and liberties were being upheld.

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

People were protected from the risk of abuse. Staff had received appropriate training in safeguarding and told us they would not hesitate in speaking up if they felt someone was at risk.

Accidents and incidents were being monitored as required and action had been taken to protect people from these re-occurring.

Risk assessments were in place which clearly outlined the support staff needed to provide to people to protect them from the risk of harm. These helped formulate people's plan of care. Environmental risks were also assessed and health and safety checks undertaken to ensure the premises was well maintained and safe.

Recruitment processes were robust and ensured that those staff employed were of suitable character.

Staffing levels were appropriate to meet the needs of people living at the home.

People were involved in choosing the menus and staff provided dietetic support at the appropriate time.

Staff received training and support to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to provide safe effective care.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found