Scarborough House provides accommodation and personal care for up to 17 people. At the time of our inspection, 15 people were living at the home, some of which were living with dementia.

There was a registered manager in the home. 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 home is run.

At the last inspection, the home was rated Good. At this inspection we found the home remained Good.

Why the home is rated Good…

People received support to take their medicines safely. Staff knew how to keep people safe from harm, risks were clearly identified and actions to reduce these implemented. There were enough staff to keep people safe and meet their needs.

Staff were competent to carry out their roles effectively and had received training that supported them to do so. People were supported to eat a choice of freshly prepared meals, and were supported with special diets. People were able to access and receive healthcare, with support, if needed.

People were able to make choices and were supported to make decisions. They had maximum choice and control over their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the home complimented this practice.

Staff were kind and compassionate in the way they delivered support to people. They ensured that people were able to have visitors, and enabled people to maintain relationships with relatives and friends who did not live nearby. People were treated with dignity and respect.

People were supported to access a wide range of activities and hobbies that meant their leisure time was enjoyable. People and their relatives were confident that they could raise concerns if they needed to.

The registered manager ensured that the home was well run. Staff were committed to the welfare of people living in the home. They regularly engaged with people to seek their views about how they wanted the home to be run, and the activities on offer. The registered manager ensured they kept links within the local community and people were part of many regular events.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

We toured the building and looked in some bedrooms and bathrooms. We looked through records and information held by the service. We observed what went on during our visit and spoke with six people who lived in the home, one staff member and the manager.

People told us that the staff team treated them with respect. Two people said that one staff member was not as good as the rest but generally they were treated well. One person said, “I do not have to wait long if I need help.” A second person said, “The majority of staff have been here a long time and know me well. They are so kind and polite.” Another person said, “I have only been here for a short while and I am beginning to settle. I think it is because I have been made to feel welcome.”

People were assessed prior to their admission to the home. Care plans were completed and information was reviewed regularly.

The home was clean and free from odours. Staff had training and knowledge of infection control procedures. There was a sufficient supply of disposable protective clothing for staff to use.

The home had systems in place to monitor and audit the service provided. However, one area that the provider could improve upon, although no concerns were raised, was the method used when handling people’s personal money. People were asked their opinion on the quality of the service and could complain if they had any concerns.

Records held in the home were up to date and stored securely.

During this inspection visit we spoke with six people and three staff in home. We found that all comments about the service were positive and no-one shared any concerns. Many of the comments received told us people were happy, the staff were good and that the manager was very approachable.

Paperwork held about each person was appropriate, centred round people's needs and regularly updated. Risks had been identified and action taken to manage the risk.

People had their medication administered to them when it was required. It was given safely, recorded and stored correctly. Controlled medication was stored in an appropriate cabinet and records in the controlled drugs register were correct.

Staff told us and records were seen of the support offered to them that would ensure they were competent and capable of doing their job correctly and safely.

Although there were various ways of finding out how complaints would be dealt with the home had not received any complaints. People told us they felt they could raise any concerns with the manager

During our visit to Scarborough House on 25 August 2011 we spoke with four people who live in this home. Everyone was full of praise about all aspects of the care and support provided. We were told how everyone is involved and included in the decisions made regarding the care people receive. People said, “I would not want to live anywhere else” and, “The staff are so kind and caring”. They also told us, “We know all that is going on from day to day and are asked if that is what we want”.

People spoke with were aware that they had a care plan and that they could read this if they wanted to. We were told how happy they were with the care and support offered.

Although we did not directly discuss safeguarding with people who live in this home we were told by two people how safe they feel living here.

The people we spoke with during our visit had nothing but praise for the staff team. They said, “The girls are really good as they know us well and support us with what we need”. People we spoke with gave nothing but praise about the care, staff, environment, food and management. Although each one spoken with did not have any concerns or complaints they told us that they can easily speak to the manager as, ”She is lovely and will listen to what we have to say”.

This inspection took place on 16 and 17 October 2014 and was unannounced. It was carried out by one inspector. 

The service provides accommodation for up to 17 older people.  At the time of our inspection 14 people were living in the home.   

The registered manager had been in post since 2010.

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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People told us that they felt safe, that staff were considerate and thoughtful and that their needs were met. We saw that staff treated people respectfully and in a cheerful and patient manner. People found the staff and the manager approachable and could speak freely with them about any concerns they had.

Staff knew how to make sure that people were safe and protected from abuse. They knew what action to take if any issues arose.

Staff knew the people they cared for well and conversed with them about things of interest to them. Staff were aware of what might be concerning people at any one time, supported them through decision making and ensured people maintained as much independence as possible. 

Staff had been trained and had the skills and knowledge to support people living in the home. Whilst there were no concerns at present, staff needed training in the Mental Capacity Act (2005) to ensure that if people’s capacity to make their own decisions changed, appropriate actions would be taken in accordance with legal requirements.          

People were well looked after and if they had any concerns about their health, staff acted upon them promptly to ensure they received the necessary assistance from health professionals. 

The home was well managed which helped ensure people’s safety and welfare. There was an open culture within the home. We observed a residents meeting and it was clear that people felt able to raise and debate issues without fear or censure. The manager ensured people understood what standard of care they could expect from the staff and were encouraged to report any concerns they had. Staff found the manager supportive and responsive to concerns or suggestions raised.