The Care Quality Commission
  • Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Link House

Links View, Sandy Lane East, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 2ED (01362) 695588

Provided and run by:
Mrs Lesley Ann Adams

All Inspections

15 January 2014

During a routine inspection

We spoke with four people living at Link House and they all told us that they were happy living there. Each person we asked felt they had their privacy and dignity maintained. For example, they told us that staff would knock on their bedroom doors before entering. One person commented 'I love living here. My favourite thing is my room.' People were also supported to maintain and promote their independence and access the community.

We saw that people were enabled to express their views and were involved in making decisions about their care and treatment.

One person told us that their favourite thing about living at the home was that they got to live with their friends. Another person commented 'I get all the support I need. I can't think of any improvements ' well maybe less housework! '

The care plans we reviewed were person centred and focused on the aims of the person and how staff should support people to achieve their aims. We also saw that where necessary detailed plans had been developed, for example, where people needed the most support. Risks to people had been identified and clear care planning had taken place to ensure that these risks were minimised and people's safety maintained.

There were effective medication systems within the home. We found that there was a mix of people who received support to take medications and those who self medicated.

We found that people were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard.

We also found that arrangements were in place to support people to raise concerns and complaints.

We also found that arrangements were in place to support people to raise concerns and complaints.

25, 29 January 2013

During a routine inspection

Before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes. We reviewed the care plans of three people living at Link House. These showed that people using the service had been asked to agree to their plan of care.

We spoke with five people using this service. They all told us that they were very happy living at Link House. One person told us that the best thing about living at the home was their bedroom. They said, 'I have a nice room and can do what I want in there; I like to watch TV and keep it clean.' They further commented that, 'I am able to live how I want to live'. Another person told us that Link House was, '.a wonderful place.' We asked people if they got on well with the staff and if they felt the level of support they received was right for them. All responses were positive with one person confirming, 'Yes it's about right; the level of support'.

We spoke with three members of staff about their knowledge of infection control. They all demonstrated an understanding of key infection control principles including the importance of hand washing.

Appropriate recruitment checks were undertaken and records relating to the service were well maintained and up to date.

23 February 2012

During a routine inspection

One person we spoke with told us that they were responsible for holding the 'house' meetings and typing up the notes from them. We were also told that sometimes the meetings were held without staff being present, although sometimes it was better to have the staff there to keep the meetings more organised.

This person also told us that they were able to do things they wanted to do and that they got on well with the staff. They also told us that they were looking forward to moving into the new house across the road, when it was finished.

One person told us that the staff helped them to be independent, safely, and that their 'Personal Planning Book' helped them to keep safe. They also told us that they could talk to any of the staff if they had any problems.