All inspections: Oak House - Care Quality Commission

We were unable to speak with people who lived at the home on this occasion. We did not talk in private with the one person present during our visit as it would have caused undue anxiety and distress to them. We did however, observe how they interacted with staff. We also gathered evidence of people's experiences by speaking with a relative on the telephone, two staff members and by reviewing care records and relevant policies and procedures.

A relative told us, "The home is top notch. I have no complaints at all". We noted that the home provided a wide range of social and educational opportunities.

We saw that people's consent was sought, wherever possible, before care and support was provided. We found evidence that the care given was safe and appropriate and based on effective care planning and risk assessments. This meant that people's individual needs were met and their preferences were taken into account.

People received care in a way that protected them from abuse and their human rights were respected. We saw that staff were supported in delivering safe care. This meant that the care was of an appropriate standard. We also found that systems were in place for people and relatives to make a complaint about the service if necessary and that complaints were managed appropriately.

At the time of our visit four people lived at the home. Two people were present during our visit, both of whom had limited verbal communication. They were able to answer 'yes' and 'no' to simple questions. The people who lived at the home indicated that they were happy at the home and liked being there. They said they liked the staff. Because they had complex needs they were not able to tell us any detail of their experiences. We used a number of different methods to help us understand the experiences of the people who used the service. We met and spent time with them and observed their interactions with staff. We observed the routine within the home and reviewed records to help us understand the experiences of the people who lived at the home.

During our visit all interactions we saw between the staff and the people who lived at the home were respectful. We saw staff took their lead from people which made it possible for them to make choices. We observed that staff were able to spend time with and interacted with people in a positive manner.

People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines. We looked at staff records and other records relevant to the management of the home. They were up to date and well maintained.

We observed that people who lived at Oak House were involved in the day to day running of the home. They were offered a choice of food at lunch time and we saw. We saw some people preparing their own sandwich for lunch and others being supported to do so by staff. Staff told us that people are supported to do the weekly provisions shopping. People showed us photographs of the holidays and day trips out that they enjoyed and one person showed us the pottery they had made themselves.

People met with their key workers on a monthly basis and told us they felt safe.

Archived: Oak House

All Inspections

18 November 2013

During a routine inspection

26 February 2013

During a routine inspection

6 September 2011

During a routine inspection