Valley Park Care Home

People were safeguarded from abuse and possible harm. Staff received safeguarding training and demonstrated a clear understanding about how to recognise and report abuse and poor care. The registered manager understood their responsibility to refer any safeguarding matters to the appropriate agencies. Individual risk assessments were completed for people so that identifiable risks were managed. 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. Safe staffing levels were in place. Staff were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard. We did receive some mixed feedback from people regarding staffing levels on nights and some staff told us it would be beneficial to have an extra staff member on nights to be able to meet people’s needs in a timely way. The registered manager conducted an unannounced night visit following our inspection, and assured us adequate staff were on duty to meet peopels needs. Robust recruitment procedures in place so people were cared for by suitably qualified staff who had been assessed as safe to work with people. The home was kept clean. However, we identified some areas required attention, for example, some chair cushions and pressure relieving cushions were stained and the kitchenette required a deep clean. These were addressed following our site visit by the registered manager.

People told us they were treated with kindness, compassion and dignity in their day-to-day care and support. Staff knew about people’s health needs and personal preferences and gave them as much choice and control as possible. People and their relatives were actively involved in developing their care plans. This included identifying their needs on the grounds of equality characteristics and looking at how those needs would be met. It also included finding out about their choices and preferences. We observed people were prompted to be as independent as possible. People were provided with meaningful activities, linked to their hobbies and interests.

People’s personal, cultural, social and religious needs were understood and met. The service complied with legal equality and human rights requirements, including avoiding discrimination, having regard to the needs of people with different protected characteristics and making reasonable adjustments to support equity in experience and outcomes.

The management team promoted an open transparent culture that was inclusive and met the needs of people. The management team were fully aware of their roles and responsibilities and the lines of accountability. The management team promoted an open transparent culture that was inclusive and met the needs of people. The management were inclusive, staff spoke very highly of the team. The provider had systems in place to quality monitor the service. However, we found some minor issues with infection control, the audit tool was improved by the registered manager following our site visit and the completed tool was sent to us, this evidenced action had been taken.