The Care Quality Commission
  • Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Lewis House

Higher Merley Lane, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3EG (01202) 887255

Provided and run by:
Mr John Elborn

All Inspections

9 September 2013

During a routine inspection

We found that people who used the service were able to participate in a range of day to day activities and look after themselves independently with support, encouragement and prompting.We spoke to two people who used the service, reviewed care plans and observed staff interaction. We spoke to the manager and two members of staff. We inspected staff records and other important documents which told us about how the home was run. The daily routine was geared towards the needs of people who lived there and whilst each individual was given space to pursue their own interests, a group atmosphere was encouraged at mealtimes, for fortnightly meetings together and occasional leisure pursuits in and outside the home. One person told us they greatly valued their home and that they got help to manage their domestic activities. They told us they had choices on offer at mealtimes and chose what they wanted to do during the day. We saw that people were encouraged to express and develop their individuality and this was promoted wherever possible. The staff took part in regular training and received regular supervision. We saw that practice was frequently observed by the manager. We found up to date policies and procedures which guided staff in their work and promoted a safe service. A member of staff told us that they felt very supported in their work. Care logs and records were kept up to date and incidents were followed up promptly by the manager.

30 March 2013

During a routine inspection

During our inspection we spoke with four people who used the service. People told us they were happy with the care which was provided. People told us they were supported to be independent, one person said, "I'm learning to bake, I've made biscuits and cakes this weekend."

We spent time in the communal areas of the home, observing how people were cared for, and treated by staff. Throughout our visit we saw people were treated with respect and courtesy.

We reviewed three care records and saw that people's preferences and care needs had been well documented. We spoke with two members of staff. Staff were knowledgeable about the people's care needs and what they should do to support them.

There were enough staff available to meet people's needs. One staff member said, "I think that the staffing is just about right here. There are more staff on during the busier times. People are so busy doing different activities. If someone mentions they want to take part in something, staff are made available for it. "

We found that the provider had made suitable arrangements to protect vulnerable people from the risk of abuse.

There was an effective system in place to monitor and assess the quality of the service.

27 April 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We visited the home unannounced in October 2011. We issued two warning notices because we had concerns that vulnerable people were not properly supported to make decisions about their life, which involved their finances. We also made two compliance actions. One because of concerns about how incidents of alleged abuse were reported. The second because of the lack of information in the statement of purpose.

We returned to the home in January 2012 to check the provider had complied with the warning notice. They had.

We returned to the home unannounced on 27 April 2012 to follow up on the two compliance actions we made in October 2011. We also wanted to check that people were listened to and involved in decision making.

We were told by the manager that people in the home had been part of a meeting when they were asked their opinion about changes to be made at the home. One person told us they remembered the meeting, as they had been able to invite their relative to come along and listen.

We spoke with one person who told us that their relative was now their appointee and managed their finances. They told us they were happy about this and had been involved in the decision.

The person we spoke with had not seen the statement of purpose. We noted there was a copy of the statement of purpose on the notice board in the hallway.

12 October 2011

During an inspection in response to concerns

We did an unannounced visit to this home on 12 October 2011. We visited because of concerns identified during a contract monitoring visit by Dorset County Council on 7 September 2011. This visit identified that people were not properly supported to understand changes to financial charges for their care and support.

People told us that they had had a meeting when they were told about changes to transport.

People told us they did not understand money. They had been told about changes to their fees but were not supported by other people such as advocates or their social worker, to understand or be involved in the decisions that had been made.

One person told us they can no longer do activities they want to as they do not have enough money to pay for them.

We observed that there was a lack of evidence to demonstrate people had been involved in decision making about changes which affected their lives. For two people this meant the cars they owned were replaced without their involvement. For everyone this meant financial changes took place which they did not fully understand.

9 November 2010

During a routine inspection

We found that not everyone living in the home is able to communicate their experiences of living there. We therefore used observation, talking to people who know them, as well as some discussion with one of the people living in the home who is able to tell us about their experience.

When asked if they knew why they might have to see someone if they were ill they said yes, "so I could get better".

People told us that the food they ate was good and that they decided what they were going to eat. They told us that sometimes they were involved in preparing and cooking meals and making drinks. During our visit one person was observed being asked by staff if they wanted to make their own lunch to which they said yes.

People told us that they went to day services and saw doctors and other healthcare professionals. They said that sometimes they were at meetings with care managers and people from day services. One person told us they had a yellow book that was all about them and their health.

One person said, 'I have a bank account and the staff help me get money out when I need some'.

People told us that their medicines were looked after for them and that they were given to them when they needed them. One person said, 'My medicine is in a locked cabinet in my room".

One person told us they know how to complain and they showed as a copy of the complaints procedure which is in easy read. When asked if they had ever complained they said 'no ".