Archived: Orchard Hill

We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we inspected. We used the information to answer the five questions we always ask;

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive to people's needs?

' Is the service well-led?

Is the service safe?

People were cared for in an environment that was clean and hygienic. The home's equipment had been well maintained and health and safety checks were carried out regularly for fire equipment and water temperatures. Some areas of the service were being refurbished to meet people's needs.

We saw that the staff were experienced to meet people's needs and had a good understanding of their care needs. They had also received training on health and safety and safeguarding of vulnerable adults to ensure people were kept safe.

People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home and care plans described how any identified risks to people were minimised. There were suitable arrangements in place to respond to emergencies, with the manager or provider's representative always being available 'on call' to support staff to manage the situation safely and effectively.

Is the service responsive to people's needs?

We saw that there were enough staff on duty on the day of our visit to meet people's needs; however they did not always get a break when they needed this. This was because they were short of staff and staff told us that they always met people's needs and ensured that their activities were carried out. The provider was recruiting more staff. The people told us that they liked the staff because they supported them to do the activities they enjoyed doing and they went on holiday. One person told us that they enjoyed cooking and said, 'We make fairy cakes.' We saw that care plans had been updated when people's needs had changed and that referrals had been made to health and social care professionals when needed.

Is the service well-led?

The provider had monitoring systems in place to ensure that medication administration records were fully completed. Staff training records were up to date and people's care plans were updated to meet their current needs. We saw that health and safety checks were also undertaken regularly to ensure all systems were up to date.

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs had been assessed and care plans were in place. There was evidence of people being involved in assessments of their needs and planning their care. People told us that they were happy with the care they received. Staff had received the information, training and support they needed to meet people's needs effectively. One person told us that the, 'Staff are good and take me on holiday.'

Is the service caring?

All the people told us that the staff were very 'nice' and they would speak to them if they had any concerns and they would listen. We saw staff interact with people in a kind, and good humoured approach. They encouraged people with engaging in activities and spoke to them in a dignified manner. The staff told us that they enjoyed working with the people. We saw staff meetings talked about how to help the people living at the home achieve their goals and staff supported people to maintain contact with families and friends.

The people told us that the food was very good and they choose the meals. They showed us the menu, which was displayed in picture format and showed that the people had a variety of healthy meals. Two people told us that they enjoyed cooking and did this at the home and another said that they did cooking at college.