Archived: Woodlands (Kent)

Relatives told us that they had been involved in the care planning process. We were told that the home was working with the people, next of kin and care managers to make sure all care plans were agreed.

Staff told us that things had continued to improve at the home. They said that people's health was being more closely monitored and they had received training to make sure this was being done. This meant that any deterioration in people's health was being identified quickly and prompt action was being taken.

They said that care plans had improved since the last visit and that communications between the trained staff and care staff was better. This means that staff had more information about how to look after people in the way that suited them best

There were checks in place to make sure everyone had received the personal care that they needed.

All the people we spoke to told us that the issues and concerns about the home had arisen because of the inconsistent management. People were still concerned about the constant changes of manager at the home. Staff told us again at this visit that their only fear was that things might deteriorate if the managers continued to change.

There had been another change in manager since our last visit to the home in November 2011. The new manager had only been working in the home for 3 weeks at the time of our visit.

The atmosphere in the home was calm and staff were busy looking after the people. People told us that they felt safe at the home.

People told us that the staff managed all their medication. They said that they get their tablets on time. People told us that they were offered pain relief tablets on a regular basis.

People said that the relief manager who had been in post for the past few months had brought stability to the home.

Some people said that staff were there when they needed them and that they felt there was enough staff on duty. People who use the service told us they were receiving the care that they needed and they said the staff were good.

Call bells were answered promptly on the day of the visit. Staff did tell us the number of staff on duty was now more consistent.

We were told that sometimes people were left in the lounge area for periods of time without a member of staff being present. We were told that they did not have access to a call bell to get staff assistance if they needed it.

Staff told us that there had been a lot more training in the last few months.

People and their relatives told us that they had been asked for their views about the home.

They said that their views had been taken into consideration and were being acted on.

The people spoken with had no complaints. If they had concerns they told us they would speak to the staff and others said they would tell their relatives who would act on their behalf.

Records for example, care plans; medication records and personal information were held securely.

The organisation had identified some of the shortfalls at the service but had not been pro-active in addressing them and improving the service for the people living at Woodlands.

There had been a social services led safeguarding adults' investigation at the home. This meant the local safeguarding team had concerns about the home and the care and support that was being provided to people. They were holding regular multidisciplinary meetings with the service to move the home forward in the right direction. This was to make sure the people living at the home are safe and all their needs were being met. At the time of writing this report the alert and investigation remained open. Further multi-agency meeting had been planned to make sure that improvements made are on-going and sustained.

Concerns had been identified by visiting professionals about no action being taken when people's health care needs were identified or when they changed.

People we spoke to told us that the staff were very good and caring. At times there were not always enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the people in a timely manner. Staff had not received the training or support and supervision to do their jobs effectively and in the safest possible way.

People confirmed they were able to make decisions about their day to day life at Woodlands. People told us care and support had been discussed with them and they were happy with care and support they received. A relative confirmed they were consulted and involved in decision making. Staff were observed giving people choices and allowing people time to make decisions.

People told us that they and their relatives were involved in planning the care and support that they receive. They said that their likes and dislikes were taken into consideration and acted upon. They told us the staff were good and they were treated with respect. People at Woodlands told us that they felt they were well care for and received the care and support that they needed. People told us they were well supported with their personal hygiene and mobility.

We found that people's care plans did not contain the information that staff would need to met all the needs of the people especially their health care needs.

Staff told us that care plans did not always have enough information about how to look after people in the best way. They said that sometimes there was not enough communication between the trained nurses and the care staff.

People said they enjoyed the activities that were on offer and the food was good. They said the home was clean and that they were happy with their rooms and facilities.