People who live in the home told us they liked living there. They said they liked the staff team and had lots to do. Bendalls Farm is situated within 200 acres of farmland owned by the provider. There is an activity centre and farm within the grounds. They provide activities and work experience to people who live in the home and to other homes operated by the same provider.We visited some people who work on the farm. People who live in the home told us they enjoy working on the farm, chopping kindling, feeding the animals and growing produce. We were told that people receive a therapeutic wage for each day they work. People said they liked to be able to earn extra money and enjoyed the work and the activities. We spoke with some people in the home who were going to college near Bristol. Another person told us about going ice skating and bowling in the evenings. They said that staff supported them to attend activities within and outside of the home.
People said they felt listened to by staff and felt they are able to express their views and influence their care. People said most staff played games with them and understood their needs. Some raised concerns about one staff and gave some reasons. Examples were, this staff member didn't interact with them, didn't play games, spent time on their mobile phone, or sat around in the lounge and sometimes fell asleep. This was raised with the manager who said he would deal with the issues raised with this member of staff.
Some told us that their care and support is discussed with them through self advocacy sessions and care plan reviews. People said that the majority of the time they agree and consent to treatment, for example, dental, doctors, hospital and mental health appointments. One person told us that although their care plan is 'very strict'; they said they needed 'rules' to be able to live as independently and safely as possible.
We observed and heard staff interacting with people. Staff members were respectful and communicated in a patient manner. Staff took time to listen to people and answer questions appropriately and respectfully.
People living in the home told us that most of the time they feel safe living there. Some people told us that some other people in the home can be aggressive. They said staff members do their best to protect them when this happens.
We were told the home has a minimum of four care staff on duty each day, one night staff and one sleep in staff. The manager is also on duty during office hours. The home employs senior staff, team leaders and support staff. We were told that the manager tries to ensure there is a senior staff member on duty each day.
We were told that the manager will adapt the staff numbers according to people's time tables. An example was when some people go out in the evenings; extra staff members are put on duty. We were told that the area manager takes overall responsibility for auditing rotas and covering shortages in emergencies.
People living in the home told us that they felt there are enough staff members on duty to support their needs and help them to fulfil their timetables each day. When asked if they have a choice of the times they go to bed and get up in the mornings, we were told no. People said that during the week they have to be in bed by 11pm. The majority of people were happy with this as they had to get up early the next day to attend activities, work or college. We were told that at the weekends they can stay up until midnight. When asked if they would like to have more flexibility in the times for going to bed, most said yes, particularly at the weekends. Some people told us the reason they had to go to bed at set times was because the staff that should be awake at night, go to sleep in the lounge.
We looked at the hours staff worked in the home. We found that some staff members were working a day shift, then what the home calls, a waking night, and then the next day. When we spoke with some staff about this, they said, when they work this shift pattern they are not allowed to drive the home's vehicle the next day, or administer medication. When we asked why they could not do these tasks, we were told because it was recognised that they may not be safe. We were told that it is very rare that people require support or help at night. These long hours without any proper breaks or sleep puts people at potential risk.
People living in the home told us that they had the opportunity to meet potential staff members. People said that potential members of staff spend time in the home visiting for the day as part of the interview process. People said they can provide feedback to the manager on those staff.
People living in the home told us that they attend house meetings where their opinions are sought and they can express their views about the home. When asked if their opinions and views were acted upon, all but two said yes. The two people said sometimes.
Some people living in the home told us that their meals were supplied by the farm shop and the staff members just heat them up. When asked if they had a choice in the meals, they said no. Some said that meal choices are discussed at meetings and their views are passed on to the farm shop. Some said that their suggestions have been put on the menu. When asked what happens if they don't want the meal that is on offer, we were told that some staff will cook food from the freezer or offer a sandwich. Most people said they liked the food that was offered. When asked if they knew what they were having for their meal on the day of the visit, all said they didn't know. When asked if they could look at menus, they said menus were kept in the main kitchen which is locked. People in the home use a kitchenette independently where they help themselves to drinks and make their own breakfast. No menus were displayed in this area or anywhere around the home.
During a visit some people living in the home showed us their bedrooms. They were found to be personalised to their own tastes and preferences. All bedrooms have ensuite facilities. The home has a large lounge and games room with a darts board and pool table. People living in the home were observed playing pool with staff. People told us that they help to keep their bedrooms clean and tidy. People said they do their own laundry with the support of staff. Some people said they help with household chores occasionally. Some said they all have to help when the home is being visited by the operational director.
Some people told us of repairs that had not been acted on. There was some lose tiles in an en-suite and window latches that were broken. This meant the window could not be closed properly. Another person said their radiator was not working but they had only discovered it that morning. Areas that people had told us about were pointed out to the manager. The manager said that windows latches had been repaired recently but the bedroom must have been forgotten. He said the tiles had been reported already. He said he would ensure these would be dealt with as soon as possible.
On the whole we found that the home was well maintained. A few areas are starting to look a bit tired and are in need of redecoration, particularly some walls in the hallway.