Archived: Ted Hennem House

Ted Hennem House is operated by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. It provides care and support, but not nursing care to people aged 55 and over in an Extra Care setting. People who live in Extra Care Housing have their own self contained homes and receive support from carers that are provided either by an external agency or by Ted Hennem House. At the time of the inspection eight people were receiving personal care from Ted Hennem House.

There was a registered manager in place at the time of our inspection. 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.

Systems were in place to ensure that people using the service were safe. Care staff had undertaken training about safeguarding adults and had a good understanding about safeguarding principles and how to raise an alert. Risk assessments were carried out and were robust and detailed.

Medicines were managed safely for people. Effective systems for the management, administration, storage, and disposal of medicines were in place.

Care staff were aware of their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how to ensure people using the service were given support to make decisions. Care staff were mindful of consent and ensuring that people were given autonomy and respect.

Care staff received relevant training to their role as well as a detailed induction programme and we saw records of robust recruitment. Relevant checks had been carried out before staff commenced employment.

Staff appraisal, training, and supervision supported them in their role. Care staff understood best practice guidance and implemented them to meet the needs of people. The coordinator for the service and registered manager supported staff so that they were effective in their role to care for people and deliver quality care.

People had access to health care services to meet their needs and professional guidance was implemented to maintain their health.

Care plans were detailed and person centred and people were involved in their care planning and decision making. Staff knew people well, were aware of their personal histories, and understood their likes and dislikes. Care and support delivered to people centred on their individual needs, preferences, and choices. Care staff provided care and support to people in a way which respected their dignity and privacy.

The coordinator for the service had a good relationship with care staff and the people using the service and their relatives. There was open communications between all parties. The service had quality assurance methods in place.

A person who used the service said, 'I love it here. We get good care. I think it's the best complex in the area to live in.'

A family member told us, 'my relative has only been here a few weeks and they love it. I haven't got enough praise for the staff and the care they give.'

Staff told us they felt supported. One person said, 'I love working here, it's friendly and relaxed. The residents and staff are all really nice; we are really working as a team now.'

The staff we spoke with understood how to safeguard vulnerable adults and how to raise concerns about the people they supported. People told us they felt safe at Ted Hennem House, one person told us, 'I feel safe here. They look after me.'

Ted Hennem House had an effective system to assess and monitor the quality of the service people received.