Archived: Ashley Cooper House

At this visit we found that action had been taken to improve the service in response to our findings in July 2013. People who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines. People could be confident that important events that affect their welfare, health and safety were reported to the Care Quality Commission so that, where needed, action could be taken. People were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment because accurate and appropriate records were maintained.

We spoke with a visitor whose relative had lived at the service for several years. They said that they were happy with the care the staff provided.

People living at the service have a variety of ways to express their views, about their care and the running of the service.

The Care Quality Commission was not informed about an event which the provider is required by regulation to do. The local authority safeguarding department had not been told about an incident which should have been reported to them.

The arrangements for the administration and recording of a medicine given on an "as needed" basis were inadequate. They did not ensure that a person was protected against the unsafe use of medication and could have put them at risk.

Arrangements for staff recruitment were safe and ensured that people were suitable for their jobs.

People's records were incomplete and did not give a full account of events which had affected their welfare.

People's religious and cultural needs were supported. We heard that one person was assisted to attend a mosque and supported to follow their religion.

People participated in activities they enjoyed. For example people went to the cinema and several people told us they were looking forward to a holiday they had been assisted to arrange.

We observed that there was relaxed and warm interaction between people at the service and with staff.

People were asked their opinions about the service in individual and group meetings and through surveys.

Care planning systems were in place but one person did not have an effective care plan.

Medicines were managed well, with safe storage arrangements and accurate record keeping systems.

The complaints system was not always used when concerns were raised so there was a risk that issues were not always investigated to complainants' satisfaction.