Archived: Taunton House

Is the service safe?

Is the service effective?

Is the service caring?

Is the service responsive?

Is the service well-led?

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

People were cared for by staff who were fully aware of their needs and who had the skills to provide the support people required. Risks had been assessed and management plans were in place. There were enough staff on duty to meet people's needs in a safe and unrushed way. Systems were in place to ensure people's changing needs were addressed in a timely manner and people had access to external support as needed. People were cared for in a clean and hygienic environment.

Is the service effective?

People were cared for according to their care plan and staff knew people's support needs and how to provide them. A choice of nutritious food was available and people's food preferences were accommodated. People told us they had all their needs met. One person told us, 'I have got everything I need. No problem at all.'

Is the service caring?

Staff showed a kind and caring attitude to people. They took time to talk with people and support them to express their views. Staff provided reassurance when it was needed. People told us the staff were caring. One person said 'staff are great, really good, really helpful'.

Is the service responsive?

People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home. Care files were person-centred and included details of the person's abilities, needs and goals in life. Records of care showed people's support needs were met.

Is the service well-led?

The home did not have robust quality assurance systems in place. Visual checks were carried out on cleanliness and completeness of medication records but these were not recorded. Therefore, it could not be ascertained if concerns had been identified and addressed. Staff supervision did not take place. A local authority quality assurance report had identified areas that needed to be addressed. Action had not been taken to comply with the report. A compliance action has been set in relation to this and the provider must tell us how they plan to improve.

Taunton House is registered to provide the regulated activity of accommodation for persons who require treatment for substance misuse. However, at the time of our inspection they were not providing this service so our inspection did not cover this regulated activity.

The care people received matched their care plans. We spoke with two members of staff and the manager. They knew the people living in the home well. They could describe people's particular needs and people told us their needs were met. Procedures were in place to manage medicines.

The manager had carried out the necessary checks on staff before they commenced employment with the service. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere was promoted by staff and people could give feedback about the service at any time. An auditing system was in place to ensure standards were maintained in the home.