Archived: Tower House II Residential Home

We asked people using the service if they were involved in the assessment and care planning process. All people using the service spoken with confirmed that they had their own care plan, which was reviewed regularly together with staff.

We observed table top activities during the morning and afternoon of our inspection and one person returned from purchasing Christmas presents for relatives.

We spoke with people about what they are doing during the day and if they were offered activities. One person told us, "that there is not much happening here". We observed that not always were sufficient staff available to meet peoples needs.

We spoke with people during lunch. People spoke very positive about the meals provided. One person said, "the food is very tasty".

We asked people if they can choose what they want to eat, people told us "staff come around in the evening and ask me what I want to eat the next day".

We asked people using the service if they felt safe at Tower House 2, one person told us, "they (staff) look after me well and I have no complaints. Another person told us, "staff will go out with me to make sure I am ok".

We spoke with people and asked them if they were happy living at Tower House 2 and if the temperature of their environment was comfortable. One person told us, "I like it here it's clean and cozy". Another person told us"my room is very nice".

One person said when asked if he is able to choose what he wants to do told us.

'They always ask me what I want'.

Another person said:

'Staff treat me very well and always with respect'.

Another person summed up what he felt about how people are being treated at Tower House.

'We have the freedom to express our needs and staff treat us with dignity and respect'.

During discussions with people we asked a number of people if they are able to tell staff what they want and suggest different approaches to their care. People were very positive about this and all people spoken to told us that they have the opportunity to consent to their care.

Comments made by people:

'I am able to choose what I want to do'.

We asked people if they experience safe, effective and appropriate care in Tower House 2. People using the service told us that they are very happy with the care they receive in the home and are involved in the planning of their care. All people spoken to feel safe with staff and the way their needs are met by the service.

People told us that they have taken part in reviews of their care, the meeting was attended by social workers and significant others.

'In December my social worker came to talk about Tower house 2'.

We spoke to people and asked them about the choice of food, presentation of meals, quality of food and if food is meeting people's cultural background and identity.

People using the service were extremely positive about the food provided in Tower House and all people spoken to praised the quality of food offered.

We spoke with some people about the choice of food and if the food is culturally appropriate.

One person told us. 'I had cottage pie today, but if I want some rice or something like that I can choose it'.

We discussed with people if they are supported to access other health care services to ensure their health care needs are met.

One person told us:

'Mary (Provider) went with me to see the doctor'.

We asked people using the service, if they feel safe in Tower House 2; all people spoken to confirmed that they felt safe and well looked after by staff.

One person told us:

'I feel safe here'.

We spoke with people about the cleanliness in Tower House 2 and asked them if they are happy with hygiene procedures and the overall standard of Health and Safety. People spoke very positively about the cleanliness in the home and informed us that they do not have any concerns.

We asked people if they are administered medication at Tower House 2 and their experiences when staff is carrying out this task. People told us that they are happy with staff giving them medication and made no comments that the practice is unsafe.

We discussed with people if they like living at Tower House 2 and experience a comfortable environment.

We observed people had access to all areas in the home; people appeared relaxed in the lounge and their rooms.

We spoke with people about staff what their experiences are with staff and if they feel safe at Tower House 2. We asked one person if he felt safe around staff. The person commented, 'staff are very considerate and caring, they look after us very well'. Another person told us, 'I feel safe in Tower House 2.

We asked people if they feel that sufficient staff are on duty to meet their needs and if they have to wait long periods of time to receive support from staff.

People confirmed that they are satisfied with the number of staff on duty.

One comment made.

'There are enough staff on duty'.

We asked people if they think staff are aware of their responsibilities and have enough skill to look after them and ensure, that their needs are met.

A comment made by a person:

'They know what they are doing'.

We asked people if they feel that they are able to complain about care provided and the home, and if they believe that the provider will deal with their complaints.

One person told us that she would speak to the provider if something is wrong and believes that their concerns are dealt with.