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Archived: Housing & Care 21 - Highwood Court

George Elliot Close, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8SL 0370 192 4675

Provided and run by:
Housing 21

All Inspections

18 June 2013

During a routine inspection

During the inspection we looked at three care records for people who used the service and spoke to people and their family members. We spoke with staff and the registered manager. We did this to help us to understand the outcomes and experiences of selected people who used the service.

We saw that people were involved in their care plans and staff treated people with dignity and respect when providing support. People told us that they had choices in their care and staff listened to what they wanted.

People who used the service told us they were very happy with the care they received. One person told us, 'The staff are fantastic, I have never had a problem'. Another person told us, 'I can't fault any of the staff as they all know what help I need'. We spoke with relatives of people who used the service. One relative told us, 'I know X is well looked after and safe, which puts my mind at rest'.

Staff explained the actions they took if they were concerned that people who used the service were at risk of abuse. People told us that they felt comfortable with the support they received and they knew how to raise any concerns about their care.

The provider had an effective recruitment system in place. The provider had undertaken checks to ensure that staff employed at the service were suitable to provide support to vulnerable people.

The records we viewed contained up to date and accurate information and were stored securely.

11 December 2012

During a routine inspection

We saw that the provider had systems in place to gain the consent for treatment and care from people who used the service. We spoke with staff who told us that they respected peoples wishes and had an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

People told us that they have choices of how their care is carried out and the staff treated them with dignity and respect. Staff were aware of the needs of the people who used the services and the records reflected this.

The provider had systems in place to protect people from the risks of infection and staff were trained appropriately. People we spoke with told us that staff always used aprons and gloves when providing support.

People told us that staff were caring and knew what care they needed. Staff had received training, support and regular supervision to enable them provide care at the appropriate standards.

The provider had systems in place to record and investigate complaints about the service. Staff we spoke to knew the procedures to follow when handling complaints. People we spoke with told us, "I would complain to the manager, but I haven't needed to" and "I would tell my son who would speak to the manager".

13 September 2012

During a routine inspection

During the course of the inspection comments were received from people using the service, and from people visiting at the time. People were very happy with the service they received and were complimentary about individual staff members. They said that all staff were considered helpful and easy to talk to, which took away their anxieties with regard to their need for support. "I love it here, I have the same carers which is so important, they are very good, and always respectful, but friendly", "I am very pleased with the care I get, and the staff are always so helpful"

People told us of the openness and opportunity to contribute, that they were treated with respect, and that visitors were made to feel welcome. They told us of a confident and open relationship with the care staff, especially regarding the friendliness of the staff, and the good standards of care, "Always reliable, always there when I need them, it's a good place to live".

They told us that they find the environment clean and tidy, and were complimentary of the quality and presentation of their living areas. "The whole arrangements at Highwood Court are very pleasing, the accommodation, the care and the company are great. Everyone treats me a special person ",

Staff told us that staff morale is high with strong teamwork, and they receive lots of training opportunities to meet the individual needs of the people using the service.