Archived: Foster House

The house had been adapted so that each person had their own flat, one upstairs and one downstairs. They shared the garden.

Each person had a staff member to support them individually. We observed them through the day and saw that the staff were able to communicate with them effectively using words, signs and gestures. The people were encouraged to express their views and helped to make choices. For example, one person was shown several films on the television screen so that they could choose which they wanted to see. Later they were encouraged to choose and prepare their lunch together with their staff member.

Decorators were at work in one of the flats. They confirmed that the occupant had been involved in choosing the colour scheme. This person was offered the choice of going out during the day, as the work was quite noisy.

We were told about the various activities that people had enjoyed recently. These included trips to the zoo and aquarium, as one of the people 'loves anything to do with animals.'

One person had been going to a pottery class regularly one evening per week. They showed us some of the pots they had made, which were beautiful. Staff told us that this was the first time this person had engaged so well in any social activity; they had 'never stuck at anything before ' now making lovely pots.'

Staff told us that one person liked shopping for food and clothes with staff, and that while doing this they enjoyed 'people watching'. The provider employed an activities co-ordinator who made arrangements so that the support staff always had a choice of activities to offer.

People were helped to understand what was going on in their lives. They had notice boards with photos showing the staff who were on duty. Staff completed a daily planner each morning with people so that they would know what day it was and what they were going to do.

In the entrance hall was an illustrated notice showing what people should do if they wanted to make a complaint. We saw the record of a service user meeting where this had been discussed with people, so they would understand what sort of staff behaviour they might complain about and what they could do.

Management had made regular checks to ensure the service was delivered consistently and in accordance with the regulations.