• Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Wardhayes

Simmons Way, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1PJ (01837) 52570

Provided and run by:
Devon County Council

All Inspections

12 November 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with the manager all senior and junior staff on duty and people who lived at the home. The people who lived at wardhayes told us that they enjoyed their lives at the home. One person told us "I feel very happy here" another told us "The carers are lovely". All people who lived at the home had clear assessments of their needs and plans and strategies were in place to meet them. Individuals care plans were reviewed regularly.

We saw written evidence of a robust staff selection process and training program for any new members of staff.

We saw that people received a good selection of nutritional meals and drinks and saw evidence that choices had been offered. We observed a mealtime where all clients appeared to be enjoying their meals, One person told us "The food here is lovely".

Sfaff worked at the pace of each individual and encouraged their independence within the range of people's disabilities. Individuals were given choices about their care and how they spent their day. People had made friendships within the home and had access to informal and organised social activities.

We examined the medication processes in place within the home. We observed that safe delivery, dispensing and recording of medications was performed by senior carers. We saw evidence that all carers had received up to date training on "medication management".

Staff were aware of safeguarding venerable adults and recognising signs of abuse and knew how to report any concerns. People told us they felt safe at the home.

10, 11 January 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke to five people who used the service, one person's family and three health care professionals. Their comments included, "A marvellous team. They are thoughtful, caring and considerate"; "They're very kind to me here. The care and the girls are very good" and "Marvellous. Looked after well".

We found that consent was sought appropriately and staff understood their responsibilities to protect people's rights through the legal safeguards available to them. One person told us, "If I say no to something that is OK".

A visiting health care professional told us "Patient care is very good. Generally they are absolutely excellent". We saw that people's needs were assessed and planned in detail and reflected them as an individual. For example, one person had specific television viewing preferences recorded. We saw that care was delivered according to the person's plan of care and that steps were taken in a timely manner if there were health concerns.

Care workers were skilled and knowledgeable and received support to do their work. Staffing numbers were not impacting on the needs of the people using the service although we were given examples of how increased numbers would improve the care.

Equipment was provided as necessary and improved people's lives through the management of risk and promotion of independence.

There were good arrangements for people to comment, and if necessary, complain about the service and people's views were regularly sought.

29 June 2011

During a routine inspection

We conducted two visits, one the afternoon of 29 June 2011 and the second the morning of 30 June 2011, spending nearly six hours in total.

People talked of the fun they have with the staff, who were liked and considered good at their work. Recently reduced numbers of staff was frequently mentioned but it was generally considered that people's needs were still being met, although not to the standard staff would prefer. Health was promoted and personal care delivered to a high standard.

The home was fresh, very clean and well equipped. Hygiene was fully promoted and safety was fully maintained. One person said how much they liked their room and another said that she had everything they needed for the short period of time they would be resident.

Sitting and dining rooms were homely and appeared to be comfortable. The gardens were well tended, interesting and accessible.

All staff health and safety training was up to date and they received regular supervision of their work. However, care workers were not receiving the level of training in conditions associated with older age that would ensure their knowledge remained up to date.

People were protected through the home's monitoring, recruitment, complaints and safeguarding arrangements. The manager and deputy manager were working closely to ensure standards remained high. They were very proactive in making links with outside agencies to promote the home and make use of opportunities, such as a radio link computer system recently installed.