Archived: Acorn House

We found that the standard of cleanliness in the home was inadequate and did not protect people from the risk of infection. Also the staff who were handling food had not received adequate levels of training to undertake this task.

People who used the service, staff and visitors were not protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises or the use of unsafe or unsuitable equipment. When we looked at the maintenance records we saw hand written information stating services had been completed but we could not confirm that these were accurate. Safe hot water temperatures were not maintained, which meant people were at risk of being scalded.

We found that the provider had not developed suitable arrangements to ensure that staff were supported to deliver care and support safely and to an appropriate standard.

However we did find that the care staff were dedicated to making sure people who used the service were well looked after and their care needs were met.

We found that people who used the service did not experience care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights. The care records were not accurate and did not support staff to meet peoples' care needs.

People who used the service, staff and visitors were not protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises or the use of unsafe or unsuitable equipment. When we looked at the health and safety records we found that the last fire drill was documented as having been carried out on 21 March 2012. Also we found that safe hot water temperatures were not maintained, which meant people were at risk of being scalded.

We found that the provider had failed to implement appropriate pre employment checks to ensure that the people were cared for, and supported by suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff. They had not developed suitable arrangements to ensure that staff were supported to deliver care and support safely and to an appropriate standard.

However, we found that the privacy, dignity and independence of people who used the service was respected

When asked how they found living at Acorn House one person said, "It's lovely".

Throughout the inspection we found that people who used the service did not experience care and treatment that met their needs. We found that records were not always available, appropriate and accurate which meant that people were not always protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care.

We found that the provider could not demonstrate that there was an effective recruitment and selection process in place, ensuring that appropriate checks were undertaken before staff began work.

People who used the service, staff and visitors were not protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises and equipment.

People were protected from the risk of infection because the provider ensured that people were cared for in a clean and hygienic environment.