Valley View is a privately owned care home registered to provide accommodation for up to 18 people who require residential care. Nursing is not provided.

This inspection took place on 24 October 2017. At our last inspection in October 2015 we rated the service as Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good

Risks associated with care and the environment in and around the home were well assessed.

Staff were recruited safely, and understood how to recognise and report any safeguarding concerns they had. There were enough staff on duty.

People’s medicines were managed safely.

Staff received training and support suitable to their roles.

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 (do not) support this practice.

People were given choice of meals and snacks and special or preferred diets were catered for. People told us the food was very good.

People were supported to access health and social care professionals when needed.

Staff understood how to respect people’s privacy and dignity.

People had access to activities which reflected their interests although consideration needed to be given to making sure activities were age appropriate.

There was person-centred information in people’s care plans. Care plans were reviewed monthly.

Staff told us they enjoyed working at the home. They told us the registered manager and provider were supportive and approachable.

The provider was monitoring quality in the service. People were consulted and the registered manager undertook regular audits to ensure areas for improvement were identified and addressed.

Valley View is a privately owned care home registered to provide accommodation for up to 18 people who require residential care. Nursing is not provided.

This inspection took place on 24 October 2017. At our last inspection in October 2015 we rated the service as Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good

Risks associated with care and the environment in and around the home were well assessed.

Staff were recruited safely, and understood how to recognise and report any safeguarding concerns they had. There were enough staff on duty.

People’s medicines were managed safely.

Staff received training and support suitable to their roles.

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 (do not) support this practice.

People were given choice of meals and snacks and special or preferred diets were catered for. People told us the food was very good.

People were supported to access health and social care professionals when needed.

Staff understood how to respect people’s privacy and dignity.

People had access to activities which reflected their interests although consideration needed to be given to making sure activities were age appropriate.

There was person-centred information in people’s care plans. Care plans were reviewed monthly.

Staff told us they enjoyed working at the home. They told us the registered manager and provider were supportive and approachable.

The provider was monitoring quality in the service. People were consulted and the registered manager undertook regular audits to ensure areas for improvement were identified and addressed.

During our inspection we looked for the answers to five questions;

Is the service caring?

Is the service responsive?

Is the service safe?

Is the service effective?

Is the service well led?

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people who used the service, their relatives, staff supporting them and from looking at records.

Is the service safe?

Systems were in place to make sure that managers and staff learnt from events such as accidents and incidents. This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.

Equipment was well maintained and serviced regularly therefore not putting people at unnecessary risk.

The medication system was well managed and people received their medication at the right times.

Is the service effective?

People’s health and care needs were assessed with them or their relatives, and they were involved in writing their plans of care.

Visitors confirmed that they were able to see people in private and that visiting times were flexible.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. People said; “It’s lovely here, we are well looked after.” Another person said “We have a laugh, nothing is too much trouble for them (the staff)” and “I am quite happy here.”

A relative told us they visited regularly without notice and they were happy their relative was well cared for in the home.

People’s preferences and interests had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people’s wishes.

Is the service responsive?

People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. People told us they had never needed to make a complaint but if they did they thought complaints would be investigated and action taken as necessary.

Is the service well-led?

The owner and registered manager were present at the home on a daily basis. People were able to identify them and told us if they had any concerns they were confident they would be rectified.

We spoke with five people who lived at the home, two relatives and two members of staff. These are some of the things they told us:

“They are very good here and the staff do anything I ask.”

“The food is good and I can have whatever I want.”

“When I have visitors they are always made to feel welcome and are always offered a drink.”

“The home is always clean and tidy and my bedroom is very comfortable.”

“We wouldn’t want our relative to be anywhere else. The home has a real family atmosphere and the staff are very good. They keep us informed about everything and understand our relatives’ needs.”

“I enjoy working here there is a good staff team.”

We spoke with four people who live at the home, two relatives, two health care professionals and two members of staff. These are some of the things they told us:

“I didn’t want to come into a home, but I came for a month to see what it was like. I have been here now for over three years. It was the kindness of the staff that helped me decide to stay.”

“The staff are helpful and kind, nothing is too much trouble.”

“There are two good cooks there is always a choice of food. The cook comes out and asks us what we fancy.”

“Staff never make you do anything, you can get up and go to bed when you want and they are there to help you. At night the staff come round and check that you are alright.”

“The people that do the cleaning are very nice and the home is kept very clean.”

“I used to visit this home and when my relative needed more care this was my first choice.”

“I am happy with the care and support my relative receives. The staff are very friendly and there is a nice atmosphere.”

“I visit the home regularly as a district nurse if I ask staff to do something I know it will be done. There is a nice atmosphere and the staff are very nice with the people who live here.”

“I love working here and wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”

We also saw some surveys that had been returned from health care professionals in May 2012 and these were some of the comments:

“My overall impression of the service is excellent.”

“I have recommended the home to people in the past and will continue to do so.”

“They are a caring professional team of staff.”