20 and 22 January 2015
During a routine inspection
This unannounced inspection took place on 20 and 22 January 2015. The Orchard is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to five people, some of whom may have a mental health diagnosis. There were five people living at the home at the time of this inspection.
When we inspected the home on 11 February 2014 we asked the provider to take action to improve record keeping and this action has been completed.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (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.
People who used the service were well looked after by a staff team that had an in-depth understanding of how people wanted to be supported. Staff encouraged people to be as independent as possible and to make choices in their day to day life. Staff treated people with dignity and respect.
Staff were knowledgeable about the risks of abuse and the reporting procedures to follow if they wanted to raise any concerns. There had been some challenges in protecting people from the behaviours of others and a range of strategies were implemented to minimise the impact on people living in the home. We found there was sufficient staff available most of the time to meet people’s individual care and support needs. Safe and effective recruitment practices were followed.
The procedures to manage risks associated with the administration of medicines were followed by staff working at the service. There were suitable arrangements for the safe storage, management and disposal of medicines.
People were supported to have sufficient to eat and drink to maintain a balanced diet and food choices were plentiful. Where there were concerns of potential malnutrition, specialist advice had been sought.
The manager had knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards legislation, they knew how to make appropriate referrals to restrict peoples liberty and ensured that people’s rights were protected.
Staff received induction, training and regular supervision and appraisal which enabled them to carry out their jobs effectively. The arrangements for social activities, met people’s individual needs.
There was a system in place to monitor the quality of the service and action had been taken when necessary to make any improvements.
Staff understood their role and had confidence in the way the service was managed.