Archived: Allison House Residential Home

We looked at five care files from the 40 people currently using the service. Overall these were detailed but we noted some areas of the care plans were not up to date to reflect people's current needs.

We saw that people had sufficient food and drink which was well presented and people told us the food was very nice.

People were cared for in a clean environment. We did notice that there was a slight odour around the home; however we were told that carpets were old and were due to be replaced in the near future as part of a refurbishment of the home.

We noted that the premises were in need of redecoration and new flooring. We were informed that a refurbishment of the home had been confirmed to take place.

People told us that the staffing numbers were adequate to meet people's care needs. However; some people told us that there were insufficient staff to provide enough activities.

People felt that their views and comments were listened to and acted upon.

During this inspection on 25 February 2013 we noted that a number of improvements had been made to the way medicines were being managed. For example, staff had signed the records to show that they had given each medicine, or had used the relevant code to explain why the medicine had not been given and numbers of tablets in stock tallied with the records. The staff member we spoke with was very clear about their responsibilities relating to the handling of medicines, and had a thorough knowledge of the medicine management systems in place. This meant that people were being given their medicines safely and as they were prescribed.

We saw that staff and people who lived at this home had mutually respectful, caring relationships with each other. Staff ensured that people's privacy and dignity were maintained. People told us they could make choices in all areas of their lives and that there were activities organised if they wanted to join in.

Care records contained a reasonable amount of detail in the guidance for staff on how to meet people's care needs. The manager showed us that a new format for care plans was being introduced which would improve the information available to staff. Risks were assessed and minimised and people saw other healthcare professionals to ensure their health was maintained as far as possible.

Staff received training and support to ensure they were properly equipped to do their job. Everyone we spoke with knew how to complain and to whom, but all said they had never needed to. One person commented, 'They're very good, it would get sorted.' Another told us, 'I've never had to complain.'

However, medicines were not managed well enough to ensure people received their medicines safely and as they were prescribed.