The Chapel House Nursing Home

People received their medicines from appropriately trained staff, although records regarding the management of medicines were not always robustly maintained.

Infection prevention and control policies and procedures were in place to help reduce the risk of infections, including COVID-19. The home was clean and cleaning schedules were being further developed to help minimise any risk of infections being spread. Personal Protective Equipment was available to all staff and visitors and we observed this to be worn appropriately and there was a system in place to ensure staff were undertaking COVID-19 tests in line with current guidance. Visits to the service were carried out safely in line with current government guidance.

People and their relatives told us the home was safe. Staff were aware of safeguarding procedures and knew how to report any concerns they had. Risks to people had been assessed and were managed and there were sufficient numbers of safely recruited staff available to support people. Accidents and incidents were managed safely. Records showed that appropriate actions were taken following any accidents.

Systems were in place to ensure Deprivation of Libert Safeguards (DoLS) applications were made and managed effectively. 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.

Staff received regular supervisions and an annual appraisal and told us they felt well supported. Training was available and staff told us they were up to date with their mandatory training, although records did not always support this. Relatives told us staff had the skills to support their loved ones.

People had access to plenty of food and drinks and their nutritional needs were assessed and met, although feedback regarding meals was varied. People's health and well-being was routinely reviewed, monitored and assessed and GP's were contacted when people were unwell.

People were supported and encouraged to maintain relationships and participate in activities and events of interest to them. A new team of activity staff were in the process of being recruited to enhance the current activities available. People and their relatives knew how to raise any concerns they had and were confident they would be listened to.

Feedback from people and their relatives regarding the care provided was positive. Staff were described as kind and caring, they treated people with respect and encouraged people's independence. People were supported to be involved in their care decisions as much as possible. Family members were also included in care planning to ensure people's needs and preferences could be met.

Relatives told us the home was managed well and that communication had improved since the new manager came into post. They told us they were kept well informed through newsletters and meetings and were able to provide feedback about the home. Staff told us they enjoyed their jobs, liked working in the home and were well supported. They told us they would recommend it to others and would be happy for their family members to live there if they required care.