The inspection was carried out on 2 and 3 March 2016. The first day of the inspection was unannounced. Healy House provides accommodation, care and support for up to eight people with mental ill health. The service aims to put the rights of people using the service at the forefront of its philosophy of care and support. Healy House is a large terraced house situated a short distance from Burnley town centre. There are two lounges, a dining kitchen and a games room. All the bedrooms are single; seven have en-suite facilities. There is an enclosed yard to the rear of the home and a garden forecourt to the front. There are limited parking spaces to the rear of the premises.
Healy House is registered to accommodate up to eight people. At the time of the inspection there were five people accommodated at the service. People using the service may be supported to access the provider’s neighbouring registered service, Adam House as a part of their individual care package and rehabilitation programme.
The service was managed by a registered manager. 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.
At the last inspection on 19 September 2014 we found the service was meeting all the standards assessed.
Healy House had a management and leadership team to direct and support the day to day running of the service. We found there were systems to check and monitor the quality of the service. There were systems in place to consult with people about their experiences at Healy House.
The people we spoke with indicated they experienced good care and support. Their comments included, “I am happy, I am quite content” and “It’s okay.”
We found arrangements were in place to help keep people safe and secure. Risks to people’s well-being were being assessed and managed. People using the service had no concerns about the way they were supported. They told us they felt safe at the service, one person said, “They have never shouted at me or bossed me about.”
Staff were aware of the signs and indicators of abuse and they knew what to if they had any concerns. Proper character checks had been done before new staff started working at the service.
Arrangements were in place to maintain appropriate staffing levels. There were systems in place to ensure all staff received regular training and supervision. We found some training was overdue but action had been taken to address this.
People were receiving safe support with their medicines. Staff responsible for supporting people with medicines had completed training and further training was being arranged. This had included an assessment to make sure they were competent in this task.
The service was working within the principles of the MCA (Mental Capacity Act 2005). We found people were supported to make their own decisions and choices. They were effectively supported with their healthcare needs and medical appointments. Changes in people’s health and well-being were monitored and responded to.
People were mostly satisfied with the meals provided at Healy House. Their individual dietary needs, likes and dislikes were known and catered for. Arrangements were in place to help make sure people were offered a balanced diet. People were actively involved with shopping for provisions and devising menus, which meant they could make choices on the meals provided.
People made positive comments about the care and support they received from staff. They said, “The staff are friendly” and “They are very kind people.” We observed positive and respectful interactions between people using the service and staff.
People’s privacy, individuality and dignity was respected. There was a focus upon promoting independence and developing skills. Each person had detailed care records, describing their individual needs and choices. This provided clear guidance for staff on how to provide support. Care records were being developed to further involve people with their care and support.
Each person had a personalised programme of activities. People were supported with their hobbies and interests, including activities in the local community. Their well-being was monitored and reviews of their needs were held regularly. People were supported to keep in touch with their relatives and friends.
There were good complaints processes in place. There was a formal procedure in place to manage, investigate and respond to people’s complaints and concerns. People could also express concerns or dissatisfaction with the service during day to day living, in reviews and the weekly house meetings. There was a clear indication that all matters raised were being taken seriously and responded to.