The inspection took place on 4 and 5 October 2016. Forest Manor Care Home is registered to provide accommodation for 40 people who require nursing or personal care. At the time of the inspection there were 40 people using the service.
On the day of our inspection there was a registered manager in place. 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.
People were safe living at the service because staff knew how to recognise and report any incidents of harm. Staff were confident that the registered manager would deal with any concerns that they reported. Systems were in place for staff to identify and manage risks and respond to accidents and incidents.
Staffing levels were adequate to meet people’s needs. Staff received an induction, training and supervision and felt supported by the management team. Staff were recruited through safe recruitment practices.
Medicines were safely administered and stored.
People were asked for their consent before care and support was provided. However, mental capacity assessments were not always in place where needed. The registered manager applied the principles of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), so that people’s rights were protected.
People received sufficient to eat and drink and their nutritional needs were catered for.
People’s healthcare needs had been assessed and were regularly monitored. The service worked well with visiting healthcare professionals to ensure they provided effective care and support.
Staff were kind, caring and respectful towards the people they supported. Staff were aware of people's support needs and their personal preferences.
People and/or their relatives were involved in the development and review of their care plans. People had access to independent advocacy services should they have required this support. People's independence privacy and dignity were promoted and respected by staff.
People received care and support that was personalised and responsive to their individual needs.
People were supported to participate in activities, interests and hobbies of their choice. The complaints policy was accessible for everyone.
Staff understood the values and vision of the service and had a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The management team was supportive and approachable towards people, relatives, external professionals and staff.
People and their relatives were involved or had opportunities to be involved in the development of the service. There were systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided.