Archived: Candour Care Services (Homeside) Limited

6 Great North Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0PL (01438) 716442

Provided and run by:
Candour Care Services limited

All Inspections

29 October 2013

During a routine inspection

We used a number of different methods to help us understand the experiences of people who lived at the home, because the people had complex needs which meant they were not able to tell us their experiences. We saw that care workers were able to communicate with

people in other ways. We observed them interacting with the people who lived at the home. We saw that they explained to the people what they were doing and why when they were delivering care and support.

We saw that care plans were individual and personalised. and included information on the person's diagnosis, history, communication skills, likes, dislikes and eating and drinking habits. These were supported by detailed assessments that identified possible risks to

people.

We saw that there was a menu prepared on a weekly basis. The menu had been prepared using the information of people's likes and dislikes of various food included in their care records.

We saw that the provider had an up to date policy on infection control and that each member of staff received an infection control information sheet during their induction and at their annual refresher training. However we found that there were areas of the home where appropriate standards of cleanliness had not been maintained and infection control guidance had not been followed.

We noted that there were robust recruitment procedures in place to safeguard people who used the service and people's records were accurate and fit for purpose.

16 August 2012

During a routine inspection

We visited the home on 16 August 2012 to observe people's experience of care, as they were unable to verbally describe their opinion of the quality of care they received. We saw three people being cared for by three staff. Staff treated them with respect, talking to them and explaining any actions they took to assist people.

We saw two staff members carefully and calmly approaching a person who presented challenging behaviour. The staff knocked on their door and respected their wish when they indicated they wanted to stay alone in their room. All six people living at the home were very particular about their personal space and staff were seen fully respecting that. Another person sat in the corridor and interacted with staff all the time by using their own personal sign language. Their relative commented in the survey conducted by the provider: 'In the six months our relative has lived here, they have greatly improved in every way, especially socially. The staff are very friendly and make the family totally at ease. We cannot fault the service, keep up the good work.'

We saw four comments provided by relatives in surveys carried out by the provider. All four comments were positive and praised staff for their professional, but friendly and calm approach. The comments illustrating this included: 'The staff are kind and helpful and very caring towards people here. You are wonderful and you do a great job.' and 'Candour Care is a place where, if you have a relative with learning disability, you would like to bring and find a placement for them.'

Two people who live here shook hands with us and greeted us with a smile. They looked clean, relaxed and well looked after.