All inspections: Harewood House - Care Quality Commission

We spoke to eleven people using the service, one person's family and two people visiting the home. We looked closely at the care of three people, which included looking at records of their care.

People described the ways in which they were involved in decisions about their care. This included care planning, resident meetings and we were told of feedback surveys. One person had chosen to move room. Another had chosen to refuse some care.

People said "I am generally well looked after" and "The girls are very nice and generally caring". Visitors said "I have heard nothing but good reports about the girls". Care workers were trained and supported to provide the care they delivered. Where health care advice or treatment was required it was provided by community services, such as district nurse and podiatrist.

People were less complimentary about how they spent their day some bemoaned a lack of activities. One person opined that the games and puzzles in a lounge bookcase, 'were just there for show'. There had been some summer outings and a PAT dog visited people during our inspection. People had newspapers and there was some occasional in house entertainment.

People could choose from a varied and nutritionally balanced diet. Opinion of the food varied from 'food is excellent' to 'food alright sometimes, not bad, can't grumble'. Food was freshly prepared and the home could cater for specialist diets. Food and drinks were always readily available to people.

There were different ways in which the quality of the service provided was assessed, both at organisational and home level. This included audits and listening to people's views. We found that the registered manager was responsive to people's wishes and innovative in how they developed the service. For example, the day of our visit they arranged for additional activities to be available to the home through lottery funding.

We spoke to seven people who used the service. Their comments included, "Nobody makes you do anything"; "The girls are very, very good"; "Keep it the way it is" and "It's perfect here for me in this place. Just like home". Comments from health care professionals included, "They (care workers) do the work effectively" and "No concerns". One commented that the deputy manager was "brilliant".

People were consulted about their needs and wishes and consent was sought for the care they received. Staff understood how to protect people's rights through the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

People's care plans used were detailed, clear and informative for the care workers to follow.

We saw that care was provided in a professional and skilled manner and that people who used the service were treated with kindness and respect.

Medicines were handled in a safe and effective way. People were able to comment about the service and there was an effective complaints procedure in place.

There were enough staff to meet people's needs. Arrangements were in place to review and improve the lives for people who were living with dementia.

The home environment was safe and people told us it was comfortable. A newly enclosed garden area was providing safe outdoor space for people to use and other areas of the home had already been redecorated. However, some areas of the home were in need of redecoration and there was very little adaptation for people with dementia.

People using services told us that the care workers were liked and it was very clear, from the rapport and banter, that they treat some as friends. They said they want to know the people looking after them and not have temporary workers they do not know. Care workers were skilled and knowledgeable and appeared keen to do their work well. People received a standard of personal care that helped them maintain their individuality and dignity. People's health care needs were met.

The home was warm, mostly fresh, clean and comfortably furnished. Sitting rooms were particularly homely and people were seen resting in the sunshine, playing cards with care workers, watering plants and reading. Hazards, such as cleaning chemicals, were not sufficiently considered and people who may not understand the dangers associated with them had access to bleach and clothes washing liquids.

People do not have access to safe open space. Although it was winter when we reviewed the service we were told that, for most, unless there are enough care workers to accompany them they are confined to the building.

People told us the food was alright and the quantity is sufficient for them. Although a choice is offered three people told us they want chips and we must therefore conclude that they are not satisfied with the provision of chips. People's nutritional needs were met.

Peoples' independence is promoted. They are consulted and given help to make choices. They are safeguarded from abuse. One person told us she felt safe at the home. People are supported to manage their own medicines if they wish. However, the arrangements in place for the management of people's medicines do not fully protect them.

Archived: Harewood House

All Inspections

30 January 2014

During a routine inspection

6 March 2013

During a routine inspection

31 January 2011

During a routine inspection