Elm Tree House is a residential care home for up to nine people. The home specialises in the care of adults who have long term mental health difficulties. Some people using the service were relatively independent whilst others required full support to meet their personal care needs and to access the community. At the time of the inspection there were nine people living at the home.

At the last inspection in September 2015, the service was rated Good

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

Why the service is rated good.

People felt safe at the home and with the staff who supported them. There was a robust recruitment process which minimised the risks of abuse to people. One person said, “No one here would harm you.” There were enough staff to safely assist people with their needs and support them to make use of community facilities.

People received their care and supported from staff who were well trained and skilled in recognising changes in people’s health and well-being. People were supported to manage their own health and staff assisted people to attend appointments. One person told us, “They help me at appointments because I don’t always understand things.” 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 cared for by staff who understood their needs and were non-judgemental. People said they were able to talk to staff because they were patient and kind. One person told us, “I talk to staff when I’m worried. It helps a lot.” Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity and spoke with people in a respectful manner.

People received care and support which was personalised to their individual needs and choices. People were able to follow their own routines and make decisions about their care. Staff adapted the care they provided to meet people’s changing needs. People knew how to make a complaint and said they would be comfortable to do so. One person said, “Where I’ve had complaints they have been sorted out with no bad feelings on either side.”

People benefitted from a provider and registered manager who were approachable and listened to the views of people who lived at the home. There were informal and formal quality assurances systems which helped to make sure the home continually improved the care provided to people and maintained their safety.

Further information is in the detailed findings below

This inspection was unannounced and took place on 2 September 2015

Elm Tree House provides care and accommodation for up to nine people. The home specialises in the care of adults who have long term mental health difficulties. Some people using the service were relatively independent whilst others required full support to meet their personal care needs and to access the community.

There is a registered manager in post. 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.

The registered manager managed the home effectively and was open and approachable to people and staff. People told us they would be comfortable to make a complaint and were confident any concerns raised would be investigated.

People received care and support from adequate numbers of staff who were well trained and supported in their roles. The provider’s recruitment practices minimised the risks of abuse to people and people felt safe at the home.

Risk assessments were carried out with people to enable them to maintain their independence and individuality with minimum risk to themselves and others.

Staff had access to training which ensured they had the skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs. Staff received regular supervisions and appraisals to monitor their work.

Staff were responsive to changes in people’s needs and adjusted levels of care accordingly. There were ways for people to express their views about the care they received which made sure people received support in line with their wishes and preferences.

People had opportunities to take part in a range of activities according to their interests and abilities. Staff supported people to access community facilities where appropriate. Some people accessed community facilities without staff support.

People were supported by staff who respected their privacy and individuality. People were able to maintain their own routines and make choices about all aspects of their day to day lives. People were able to choose to spend time alone or to socialise in communal areas.

People’s medicines were safely administered by competent staff. There were protocols in place to make sure any medicines prescribed on an ‘as required’ basis were appropriately administered.

People had access to health and social care professionals to ensure they received effective treatment to meet their needs. Staff supported people to attend medical appointments where appropriate.