11 and 16 December 2014
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on the 11 and 16 December 2014 and was announced so the registered provider could speak to the person living at the home about the inspection. A previous inspection undertaken in May 2013 found there were no breaches of legal requirements.
Aberwicke Residential Home provides care and support for up to three people who have a learning difficulty. At the time of the inspection there was only one person living at the home. The home, which is also the registered provider’s own family home, is under her personal supervision. There is no requirement to have a registered manager.
The person told us he felt safe living at the home and was well looked after. The provider had in place systems to limit the risk of abuse, including financial abuse. Risk assessments were in place to prevent accidents and ensure the person was safe living at the home. The premises were clean, tidy and well maintained. The registered provider was supported with care delivery by volunteers, who would provide care on limited occasions. All volunteers had been DBS checked. The individual managed their own medicines and had signed an agreement to indicate they were happy to do this.
The person told us he was well supported at the home and his needs were met. The registered provider had undertaken a range of training and updating to help maintain suitable skills and knowledge. The person living at the home had capacity to make his own decisions and was not subject to any restriction in line with Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. He told us he was free to go out when he liked and could make his own choices about meals, showers and activities. He told us there were a range of foods available and that he participated in shopping to help make individual choices. We observed there was adequate access to food and drink during the inspection.
The person told us he was well cared for and felt part of the registered provider’s family. He told us the registered provider helped him access health services and took him to hospital appointments, as necessary. We saw copies of letters confirming attendance at these appointments. He told us the registered provider was very good at explaining things to him, so he was able to understand what was happening or what was required. The registered provider had a good understanding of the person’s individual needs, likes and dislikes. The person told us he had his own room and that the registered provider’s family members respected his privacy and dignity.
The person had a care plan in place that reflected his individual needs. The care plan was reviewed on a regular basis and these reviews involved the individual in making decisions about changes to his care. He said he was able to access a range of activities and events. He told us he had two volunteer jobs, was a member of a local neighbourhood improvement group, the local church and participated in an annual sports event. He showed a certificate indicating he had been awarded a category of “outstanding” in a local gardening competition. He told us he had no complaints but would speak to the registered provider if he did have any concerns.
The registered provider showed us evidence that appropriate safety checks were undertaken at the home and that she audited medicines and personal finances on a regular basis. The person told the registered provider included him in family discussions about activities and holidays. The registered provider told us the culture of the organisation was to provide good family orientated care. The person confirmed he was happy and settled at the home and felt part of the family.<Summary here>