14 March 2014
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We looked at two care records in detail and found they had been reorganised and provided a clear audit trail of people's current needs.
We looked at two care records in detail and found they had been reorganised and provided a clear audit trail of people's current needs.
Staff demonstrated a good understanding of what kinds of things might constitute abuse, and knew where they should go to report any suspicions they may have.
There were effective recruitment and selection processes in place.
The organisation recognised the importance of training and supervision, with these being integral parts of good service delivery.
Care records were disorganised with both current and historical information mixed together. This meant that a clear audit trail of people's current needs was difficult to follow with the need to search in several places for information. This posed a risk that staff may be referring to information which did not reflect people's current needs to ensure their care, welfare and safety. Staff agreed that the files were in need of tidying up and reorganising. They added that the organisation was in the process of reviewing all care records in line with plans to move to supported living.
Before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and staff acted in accordance with their wishes. Throughout our visit we saw staff involving people in their care and allowing them time to consent to care through the use of individual cues, such as looking for a person's facial expressions and body language. Staff were seen to ask people what they wanted, such as whether they wanted a drink or use the toilet. People's individual wishes were acted upon, such as whether they wanted to transfer to a comfortable chair or have music on.
We saw how staff were observant to people's changing moods and responded appropriately. Throughout the inspection, we saw that staff communicated appropriately with people, and we saw the relationships between staff and people in the home were respectful.
We observed that staff were well organised, motivated and competent in their roles. Staff provided support in a caring manner making sure that people were comfortable and content.
We saw the service user's guide which people had a copy of in their bedrooms. It provided people with details about how to make a complaint. It clearly set out the procedure which would be followed by the provider.
When we arrived at the home there were three care workers and one manager on duty. Two people were out with two of the care workers when we arrived, but returned a little while later.
The people who lived at Okecroft had limited levels of verbal communication. We heard that a speech and language therapist had provided support and advice to help people improve their communication skills. We observed care workers giving people choices, and treating them with respect. They were attentive and were able to communicate and understand people well.
During the day we talked to two people and observed care workers interacting with the other two people. We also talked to the manager and two care workers. People were relaxed and happy.
Each person kept their care plan files in their bedrooms and this indicated that people had been empowered to direct their own care needs, they had been fully consulted over their care needs, and the care workers respected their rights to take control of their own care plans.
The home was comfortably furnished and appeared homely and warm. People's bedrooms had been individually decorated and furnished to suit their individual tastes and interests.