The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Holly Tree Cottage

243 Berrow Road, Berrow, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8 2JQ (01278) 788008

Provided and run by:
Homes Caring for Autism Limited

All Inspections

8 November 2012

During a routine inspection

Some people who lived at the home were unable to fully express their views verbally. We therefore spent time observing care practices and talking with staff, in addition to speaking with people who lived at the home.

We saw that people were able to make choices about all aspects of their day to day lives. Staff told us that each person had their own routine for getting up and going to bed according to their wishes. We were told that one person liked to get up early and the staff rota had been adjusted to accommodate this. This demonstrated that routines in the home were based around the needs and wishes of the people who lived there.

People who lived at the home appeared very comfortable with the staff who supported them. Staff spoken with demonstrated an excellent knowledge of the needs and preferences of people.

To make sure that people received consistent and appropriate support if they needed to be admitted to hospital each person had a hospital assessment. This document included information that anyone supporting the person needed to know, the things that were important to them and their likes and dislikes.

We were able to see that risk assessments had been completed with people. This ensured that they were able to take part in a variety of activities with minimum risk to themselves or others.

On the day of the inspection the home appeared well staffed and everyone was able to take part in their chosen activities.

19 April 2011

During a routine inspection

Many people living at Holly Tree Cottage are unable to fully express their views verbally about the care which they receive. The home uses a variety of communication methods to ensure that people are able express their views and make choices about their day to day lives.

We were able to speak with some people living at the home and to observe care practices.

There is a cheerful, warm atmosphere in the home and constant interaction between the people who live and work there.

Everyone appeared very comfortable and relaxed with the staff who supported them. People said that the staff were 'nice' and 'kind.' People said that it was a lovely place to live and that they were very happy. People said if they had any worries or concerns they would speak with a member of staff. It was noted that people were reminded how to make a complaint at a recent house meeting.

There is a wide range of activities for people to take part in and everyone has a personal weekly activity plan. People said that there were always enough staff to support them with activities. One person said that they preferred to have male staff support them and the care plan showed that this is always facilitated.

People are able to choose their activities. People said that they went to college, to local clubs and attended nearby churches. One person said that they had been able to plan a holiday away with another person living at the home and staff.

At the time of the visit some people went out to a local country park and took a picnic lunch, and other people went out with a member of staff to their chosen activity. After lunch one person said that they were going out for a bike ride with a member of staff and another said that they were going bowling.

People said that they liked the food in the home and always had plenty to eat. We noted that people had unrestricted access to the kitchen and were able to make drinks and snacks at any time. People are able to choose to eat in the dining room or in their personal rooms if they prefer. Some rooms have basic kitchen facilities to enable people to make light meals and drinks.