• Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Allison House Residential Home

Swan Lane, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 1NE (01767) 682998

Provided and run by:
Bupa Care Homes (Bedfordshire) Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

18 April 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with six of the 40 people currently living at the home, a visiting relative and a volunteer. In addition we were able to talk with four staff members. People told us they were happy living at Allison House and that the staff were very helpful and kind.

We looked at five care files from the 40 people currently using the service. Overall these were detailed but we noted some areas of the care plans were not up to date to reflect people's current needs.

We saw that people had sufficient food and drink which was well presented and people told us the food was very nice.

People were cared for in a clean environment. We did notice that there was a slight odour around the home; however we were told that carpets were old and were due to be replaced in the near future as part of a refurbishment of the home.

We noted that the premises were in need of redecoration and new flooring. We were informed that a refurbishment of the home had been confirmed to take place.

People told us that the staffing numbers were adequate to meet people's care needs. However; some people told us that there were insufficient staff to provide enough activities.

People felt that their views and comments were listened to and acted upon.

25 February 2013

During a routine inspection

During our inspection of Allison House on 14 December 2012 we found that the provider was not compliant with the regulations relating to medicine management. We found that medicines were not managed well enough to ensure people received their medicines safely and as they were prescribed.

During this inspection on 25 February 2013 we noted that a number of improvements had been made to the way medicines were being managed. For example, staff had signed the records to show that they had given each medicine, or had used the relevant code to explain why the medicine had not been given and numbers of tablets in stock tallied with the records. The staff member we spoke with was very clear about their responsibilities relating to the handling of medicines, and had a thorough knowledge of the medicine management systems in place. This meant that people were being given their medicines safely and as they were prescribed.

14 December 2012

During a routine inspection

During our inspection of Allison House on 14 December 2012 people told us they liked living there and that they were satisfied with their care. One person said, 'It's lovely here, you've got your own space.' Another told us, 'It's great here.'

We saw that staff and people who lived at this home had mutually respectful, caring relationships with each other. Staff ensured that people's privacy and dignity were maintained. People told us they could make choices in all areas of their lives and that there were activities organised if they wanted to join in.

Care records contained a reasonable amount of detail in the guidance for staff on how to meet people's care needs. The manager showed us that a new format for care plans was being introduced which would improve the information available to staff. Risks were assessed and minimised and people saw other healthcare professionals to ensure their health was maintained as far as possible.

Staff received training and support to ensure they were properly equipped to do their job. Everyone we spoke with knew how to complain and to whom, but all said they had never needed to. One person commented, 'They're very good, it would get sorted.' Another told us, 'I've never had to complain.'

However, medicines were not managed well enough to ensure people received their medicines safely and as they were prescribed.

13 February 2012

During an inspection in response to concerns

We visited Allison House on 13 February 2012 and we found that improvements had been made since our visit in June 2011. People we spoke with told us they were generally happy with the care and support they received there. They told us that the staff were kind and caring, and helped them with their personal care.

Prior to our visit on 13 February 2012 we had received information that raised concerns about the staffing levels at the home and how they managed people whose needs challenged the service. During our visit we found that they had met the essential standards of quality and safety. However, we have recommended that further work be carried out to make sure the improvements in care planning and risk assessing are sustained.

29 June 2011

During a routine inspection

During our visit to Allison House on 29 June 2011 we looked at the care files of three residents. Some people, as a result of their limited verbal communication, were unable to tell us about their experiences, so we observed the care that they received and spoke with others living in the home.

The views of the people we spoke with were summed up by one person using the service who said, 'I like living here, everyone is so kind to me'. A relative told us that she visited daily and was happy with the care provided. Visitors told us that the manager was available to speak to and address any issues at any time. We observed that there were sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of the people using the service and that staff were attentive to peoples needs and spent time explaining what they were about to do before carrying out a task.