The Meadows Care Home

There were systems to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided but these were not always effective. Audits and checks had not identified the concerns we found during this inspection around care records, staff interventions and medicines.

Overall, 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. We have made a recommendation that the provider reviews people's mental capacity assessments to ensure these are sufficiently detailed and support specific decision making.

People's care plans included information about people's life histories, wishes and preferences that support staff to provide personalised care. People were able to participate in a range of activities. People and relatives felt able to raise concerns if they needed to. We have made a recommendation that people's care plans record that opportunities have been provided for them to discuss their end of life wishes.

People were supported to maintain their well being and stay healthy. Staff worked with a range of health and social care professionals. Staff received the training, supervision and support they needed to understand and meet people's needs.

People told us they felt safe living at the home and with the staff who supported them. Staff had been trained to recognise and report signs of abuse. There were sufficient staff to meet people's needs and help keep them safe. The provider's staff recruitment procedures helped to protect people from harm. The provider followed best practice in relation to infection control and prevention and management of risks relating to COVID-19.

People and their relatives were consulted about their care and support and engaged in the development of the service. Staff supported people to be a part of their local community and worked with external agencies to enable people to maintain their health and well being.

The registered manager was open and transparent throughout the inspection. Updated records and new procedures were implemented immediately after the inspection. However, these required time to become embedded into practice to reduce risks.