• Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: The Orchards

140-142 Birkrig, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9HY (01695) 726118

Provided and run by:
Autism Care (North West) Limited

All Inspections

6 December 2013

During a routine inspection

During our visit to The Orchards there were five people living in the home. We able to speak with one person in detail about their experiences of living at The Orchards. Staff assisted us to communicate with three other people with complex needs living in the home. We were able to establish that these people were happy living in the home and felt they received the care and support they required.

One person told us, "When I am unwell I need the staff to help me and they are just great. I get the help I need here".

We found that appropriate checks had been conducted before staff began working at the Orchards. Records relating to staff and people living in the home were kept securely and maintained to reflect their current care needs.

We found that people's views and wishes were listened to and they had access to an effective complaints procedure. One person told us, "I enjoy going to the meetings. We talk about what we want and are always asked if there is anything wrong or if anything could be made better...They really do listen."

18 February 2013

During a routine inspection

At the time of our inspection there were seven people living at the home. We spoke with two people who were able to communicate with us verbally, although we did not receive many verbatim comments. Both these people told us they felt safe living at The Orchards and that their needs were met by a kind and caring staff team. They said they were able to make decisions about how they spent their time and how they were supported to maintain their leisure interests.

We found staff to be well supported and appropriately trained and those living at The Orchards looked comfortable in their presence. Methods for monitoring the quality of service provided had been established and systems had been developed in order to protect the health and safety of those living at the home.

Comments received included:

"I get on really well with Jean (the manager). I love her to bits. She is very kind and helps everyone. I will help her too. She is a great manager."

"I love doing my laundry job and I have just got a pay rise you know."

"I am in a play. I am looking forward to doing it when everyone is watching."

During our inspection we assessed standards relating to care and welfare and how the home safeguarded people from abuse. Standards relating to staff training and monitoring the quality of service provision were also inspected. We did not identify any concerns in any of the outcome areas we assessed.

31 January 2012

During a routine inspection

We spoke with two of the people who live at the home during our visit and three care staff including the manager. We received very positive feedback and comments included;

From service users:

'The staff here are really nice.'

'I like living here.'

'We choose what we want to eat and go to the shop to help buy the food.'

'I help get some of the shopping for the others.'

'I am able to go out on my own I have my own key.'

From staff working at the home:

'It is a nice place to work I really enjoy the fact that each day is different.'

'It's a nice place to work, there is always plenty of training to do.'

'The work is challenging but rewarding.'

'Every day is different.'