About the service:

Silversea Lodge is a residential care home that provides personal and nursing care for up to 15 older people aged 65 and over. At the time of the inspection there were 14 people living at the service.

People’s experience of using this service:

Suitable measures were not put in place to mitigate risks or potential risk of harm for people using the service, as not all risks to people had been identified and assessed. Safety concerns were not consistently identified or addressed quickly enough. National guidance relating to medication was not always followed or managed to ensure staffs practice was safe.

Staff did not assess people’s mental capacity to make decisions or fully understand the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Staff received regular training opportunities but not all training provided was embedded in staffs practice. Improvements were required to ensure staff received regular supervision and an annual appraisal of their overall performance. Progress was needed to improve the premises for people living with dementia and this included the garden.

Care plans did not reflect all of a person’s care and support needs. People were not always supported to follow their interests or social activities.

Quality assurance arrangements were in place but these had not picked up the issues highlighted as part of this inspection. Engagement with people and others was minimal and although improvements were highlighted, action to deal with these had not been recorded or considered.

A new manager and senior quality assurance manager had been in post for approximately three weeks at the time of inspection. Both were keen to address the identified shortfalls and to make the required improvements.

People were treated with care, kindness, respect and dignity, and spoke positively about the caring attitude of staff. Staff had a good knowledge and understanding of people’s specific care and support needs and how they wished to be cared for and supported. There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs but staff were concerned about a proposed reduction in staffing levels in the afternoons.

The dining experience for people was positive and people received sufficient food and drink throughout the day. People received positive outcomes regarding their health and wellbeing; and the service worked jointly with other organisations.

Rating at last inspection:

Following the last inspection, the rating of the service was ‘Good’ (Last report published 15 January 2016).

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as outlined in our inspection programme and schedule. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner. A meeting will be arranged to meet with the registered provider and manager.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk