We carried out a review of the data available to us about Albany Farm Care (Hampshire) Limited on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Albany Farm Care (Hampshire) Limited, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
The registered manager had followed current guidance in relation to infection prevention and control. The home was open to visitors although most people chose to go out to meet their families and friends.
Comprehensive checks were carried out for visitors on arrival including checking LFD results, COVID pass checks, temperatures and a COVID questionnaire. PPE and hand gel were widely available around the home.
The registered manager had detailed care plans and risk assessments associated with COVID-19, they had consulted with people and where relevant their families when implementing them.
The registered manager and staff communicated regularly with family of people living in the home. They also had effective relationships with other professionals such as GP surgeries for the benefit of people living in the home.
The home was clean and tidy, staff followed cleaning rotas. Care staff documented cleaning being carried out within the home these documents were checked daily by the management team to ensure it was carried out effectively. All staff ensured hourly disinfection of frequently touched surfaces of the home for example, light switches and door handles.
There were ample supplies of PPE at the home. Staff had received training on how to 'Don and Doff' (put on and take off) their PPE to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Staff explained to people why PPE was needed, and people accepted this.
Staff engaged in a programme of regular Covid-19 testing. Communication between the management team, people and staff was good.
The provider had an up to date infection control policy in place and carried out appropriate environmental audits. The provider ensured staff were kept up to date with government guidance.
We previously inspected Albany Farm Care Home on the 11 November 2016 and found two breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008. Care plans did not always reflect peoples' needs and the provider had not consistently followed robust recruitment procedures.
At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider had met the regulations.
The service provides care and support for up to six people who may have a learning disability, a mental health condition or physical disabilities. Some people using the service displayed behaviours that were challenging to others and required positive support approaches from staff to keep them and others safe. Some people could not speak to us directly due to their communication needs.
There is a registered manager at Albany Farm Care Home. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider.
Record showed the provider monitored incidents where behaviours challenged and responded promptly by informing the local authority safeguarding team, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), behavioural support team and advocacy agencies.
Staff were knowledgeable about the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and worked with advocacy agencies, healthcare professionals and family members to ensure decisions made in people’s best interests were reached and documented appropriately
People were not unlawfully deprived of their liberty without authorisation from the local authority. Staff were knowledgeable about the deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) in place for people and accurately described the content detailed in people’s authorisations.
People were protected from possible harm. Staff were able to identify the different signs of abuse and were knowledgeable about the homes safeguarding processes and procedures. They consistently told us they would contact CQC and the local authority if they felt someone was at risk of abuse. Notifications sent to CQC and discussions with the local authority safeguarding team confirmed this.
Staff received training appropriate to people’s needs and were regularly monitored by a senior member of staff to ensure they delivered effective care. Where people displayed behaviours that challenged others, staff responded appropriately by using redirection approaches.
Safe arrangements were in place which reduced the possibility of infection.
Quality assurance documents demonstrated the provider had learnt lessons and was receptive to feedback.
Staff interacted with people and showed respect when they delivered care. Relatives and healthcare professionals consistently told us staff engaged with people effectively and encouraged people to participate in activities. People’s records documented their hobbies, interests and described what they enjoyed doing in their spare time.
Records showed staff supported people regularly to attend various health related appointments. Examples of these included visits to see the GP, hospital appointments and assessments with other organisations such as the community mental health team.
People received support that met their needs because staff regularly involved them in reviewing their care plans. Records showed reviews took place on a regular basis or when someone’s needs changed.
The service had an open culture where people told us they were encouraged to discuss what was important to them. We consistently observed positive interaction between staff and people.
inspection five people were living in the home. The service provides care for people with learning disabilities, autism and or behaviours which are deemed to be challenging to others. People could be subject to a section under the Mental Health Act 1983 or a Guardianship order.
At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager, however they no longer worked at the service. The new manager has made their application to the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. We refer to this person as manager throughout the report. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run
Relatives we spoke with were positive about the manager and deputy manager who were responsible for the management of the service. Relatives gave many examples of support offered to their loved ones and how two way communications with the home worked well.
People were able to do things they enjoyed and kept in touch with those people who were important to them. Risks to people's safety were understood by staff and people benefited from receiving care which took into account their safety needs.
Medicines were managed safely and systems were in place to monitor medicines management.
There were sufficient staff deployed to meet people's needs.
Staff understood what actions to take if they had any concerns for people's wellbeing or safety. People were supported to take their medicines so they would remain well and there were enough staff to meet people's care and safety needs.
The provider had not always acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). If the location is a care home Care Quality Commission is required by law to monitor the operation of the DoLS, and to report on what we find. They had not carried out mental capacity assessments for people using the service. Following the inspection the service sent us information which we had asked for on the day and this included mental capacity assessments they had completed since the inspection.
Some people enjoyed making their own meals and drinks, other people received help from staff to enjoy a range of food and drinks.
Staff assisted people to attend specialist health appointments and followed the advice given by specialist services so people would receive the support and care they needed as their needs changed.
People enjoyed spending time with the manager and the staff and people were given encouragement and reassurance when they needed it. People's need for independence and privacy was understood and acted upon by staff. People were encouraged by staff to make their own choices about what daily care they wanted.
Where concerns had been raised these were dealt with in a timely manner.
Checks were undertaken on the quality and safety of the care by the manager. However, the provider had a system in place but had not yet begun to utilise it.
We found two breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of this report.