Haworth Court Residential Home is a residential care home for 37 older people, some of whom may be living with dementia. The service provides accommodation and personal care.

At our last inspection, we rated the service good. At this inspection, we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and on-going monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

The service had a manager in place who was registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC 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.

Medicines were managed safely and staff had a good knowledge of the medicine systems and procedures in place to support this.

We found staff had been recruited safely and training was provided to meet the needs of people. Staff received regular supervision and appraisal and told us they felt supported in their roles.

Staff received training on safeguarding adults from abuse and understood their responsibilities in respect of protecting people from the risk of harm.

The service was clean and infection control measures were in place. The management had checks in place to monitor the risk and spread of infection.

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’s nutrition and hydration needs were catered for. A choice of meals was available three times a day and drinks and snacks were made readily available throughout the day.

There was an extremely positive caring culture within the service and we observed people were treated with dignity and respect. Dignity was embedded in the services’ values and culture.

People’s wider support needs were catered for through the provision of daily activities provided by activity coordinator, care staff and visiting entertainers.

There was a complaints policy and procedure made available to people who received a service and their relatives. All complaints were acknowledged and responded to quickly and efficiently. The service sought feedback from people who received a service; feedback was mostly positive.

There was a range of quality audits in place completed by the management team. These were up-to-date and completed on a regular basis. All of the people we spoke with told us they felt the service was well-led; they felt listened to and could approach management with concerns. Staff told us they enjoyed working at the service and enjoyed their jobs.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

People confirmed that their care and treatment options were discussed with them and they were asked for their consent. One person told us, “I gave my consent and discussed it with my daughter and the staff.” Another person said, “I gave my consent to be here a few months ago.” A visitor told us, “My friend has capacity and gave consent to be here.”

People spoke positively about their care. One person told us, “I think it is really good; everything is here when you want it.” A relative told us, “I can’t fault it. He is getting well looked after.”

People said they felt safe in the service. One person said, “I like it here and feel safe.” Relatives did not have any concerns about the safety aspects of the service. One relative told us,” I would not be afraid to leave her with any of the staff.”

People spoke positively about the staff. People’s comments included, “I get on with staff,” and “I find the staff are all right.” One relative said, “The staff interact with the patients.” A visiting healthcare professional said, “Staff always have time and come into the room with me; they talk to the patient and have time for them.”

People we spoke with said they were clear about how to make a complaint, although they also said they had never made a complaint. One relative said, “I’ve no complaints, but I would go straight to the manager with any complaint. Any niggles are sorted straight away.”

We saw that the building work which was in progress in some of the public areas of the home at our previous inspection was completed and people who used the service welcomed this. A relative told us, “Window restrictors are in place.” People told us they thought the cleanliness in the service was very good. One person said, “They clean every day and the night staff too; everything is done every day.” A relative told us, “We have never had any problem with cleanliness. If there is a problem it is cleaned up straight away.”

A person told us about the staff that worked with them, "The staff can’t be better. The staff are so friendly and if you wanted anything they go get you it. Staff are definitely supported in their jobs. The staff do an excellent job.” Another person said, “The staff are very good, and the night staff too.” A relative told us, “We have no issues with staff. They are really helpful the staff in here. You can speak to any member of staff and they will always help.”

A person told us, “I go to the residents’ meeting, which is very good. You can voice your opinion. They do listen to us. I know what to do if I had a complaint.” Another person said, “I am quite happy with things as they are. I think they are good here.” A relative told us, “We have been to a relatives’ day with staff. We have completed a questionnaire this year, but we have no problems.”

People we spoke with told us that their dignity was upheld and they were respected. One person said, “I feel at home here and relaxed. You get the care you need here. They are very helpful if I get in the bath.” People who used the service told us they appreciated that they had been consulted about the alterations to the public areas of the home which were being made at the time of our inspection. They said the provider had consulted them about these changes. We spoke with a relative about the alterations to the premises and they told us, “We were consulted about the alterations to the home.”

People we spoke with said they felt the home was kept clean. One person told us, “The place is spotless, except for the paint during redecoration.” Another person said, “It seems all right.” A relative we spoke with said, “They are doing really well on cleanliness. If anyone spills anything they come and clean it up.”

People spoke positively about the staff that worked with them. One person told us, “Without the staff I would be lost. You might get one that says, come on, you can do that. Most of the staff are very good…and they work hard.” Another person said, “Staff are very good but I don’t think that there are enough staff. Staff do all they can for you.” A relative told us, “The staff do a good job but some staff are outstanding.”

One person living in the home told us, “I don’t know about the residents meeting; I would go if I knew. I do complete surveys but I don’t know what they do with it. I would tell the manager if I had a complaint.” Another person said, “I have refused to complete questionnaires. I possibly go to the residents meetings but I can’t remember.” A relative told us, “Other relatives of mine attend the relatives’ meeting and they let me know the outcome. I filled in a survey about three months ago. I would know what to do if I had a complaint.”

Haworth Court Residential Home is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 37 older people, some of whom may be living with dementia.

This inspection took place on 19 November and was unannounced. The service was last inspected in September 2013 and was found to be compliant with the regulations inspected at that time.

At the time of the inspection 32 people were living at the service.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have a legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Staff understood they had a responsibility to keep people safe and to report any abuse they may witness or become aware of. They had received training in how to recognise the signs of abuse and how to report this to the correct organisations. Staff, who had been recruited safely, were provided in enough numbers to ensure the needs of the people who used the service were met.

Systems were in place to ensure people lived in well maintained environment and they were safe in the event of any emergencies. People’s medicines were not always handled safely, particularly with regard to controlled medicines. This was discussed with the registered manager at the time of the inspection.

People who used the service were provided with a wholesome and nutritional diet which was monitored by staff who involved health care professionals when required. Staff supported people to lead a healthy lifestyle and made arrangement for people to access their GP or health care professionals when they needed to. Staff received training which equipped them to meet the needs of the people who used the service and this was updated as required. People’s human rights were protected by staff who had received training in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).

People were cared for by staff who were kind and caring and understood their needs. Staff upheld people’s dignity and understood the importance of respecting people’s privacy. People had been involved with the formulation of their care plans and these detailed people’s preferences and how they would like to be cared for. The care plans also detailed what was important to the person and how staff needed to support people to keep them safe.

Activities were provided for people to choose from and trips out to visit local attractions and facilities were provided. The provider had a complaints procedure which people could access if they had any concerns or complaints.

The service was run with the input of the people who used it and those who had an interest in the people’s welfare. The views of the people who used the service and other stakeholders were actively sought by the registered manager so they could improve and develop the service. The views of the staff were also sought and regular staff meetings were held. The registered manager undertook audits which ensured, as far practicable, the service was run smoothly and well led.