Inspection on 28/09/06 for Barnhaven

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The home ensures that assessed needs are met by having very clear, well written care plans that are shared and agreed with the individual and are reviewed on a monthly basis. The plans include clear records on individuals preferred routines of how they should be assisted in every day life as well as details of how their health and social care needs are being met by the home. Any diverse needs such as sight impairment, special dietary needs and healthcare issues are all well recorded with clear guidance on how staff should meet these needs. The care plans were seen to be of a very high standard and the staff are commended for this. Residents comments included `we are very well looked after` `I am very happy with the care I get` All residents spoken to and those who returned questionnaires felt that care and support offered in the home was very good and that health care needs were met. One resident said that `staff go out of their way to make sure we are well` Regular activities are offered, usually during the afternoons and staff record on care plans what activities individuals have taken part in, including any one to one time spent with an individual. The home offers a good range and choice of well-balanced meals, drinks and snacks throughout the day. All but one resident expressed a high level of satisfaction with the meals and choices offered. Visiting relatives confirmed that they are made welcome and can visit or phone anytime. Relatives also confirmed that staff keep them informed of any health care issues or concerns regarding their family member. Although some areas of the home could do with being updated, such as carpets in the hall and communal lounge areas, the home is kept clean to a very high standard. The furnishings and decor is homely and individuals are encouraged to personalise their own bedrooms. One resident said in their survey `I appreciate how clean and tidy the house is at all times.` The staff group are experienced and knowledgeable about the residents` needs. They are offered regular training and support to ensure they can do their job effectively. The home ensures that the recruitment practice is robust, completing all checks and references, which helps to ensure residents are protected. The registered manager is qualified, experienced and inclusive ensuring that the views of staff and residents are listened to. They have a quality assurance programme in place that includes seeking the views of residents and their families. The home has recently had their kitchen audited by Devon County Council and was awarded a gold merit for their cleanliness and good practice in providing a clean safe environment to cater for residents. The home are commended for this. The home ensures that all records are well maintained following an audited system, which is nationally recognised.BarnhavenDS0000039198.V303151.R01.S.docVersion 5.2Page 7The home have achieved an excellent quality rating in several key areas which is detailed in the main body of this report.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The home have reviewed and changed their practice in respect of sluicing commode pans, ensuring this is done first thing, so that no laundry is being done during this process, as the sluice area is incorporated into the laundry room. This reduces the risk of any possible cross infection.

What the care home could do better:

No new requirements or recommendations have been made as part of this inspection process. The home does still need to look at moving the sluice away from the laundry as this places people at risk from cross infection. In the interim the home needs to check with the infection control nurse specialist that the current practice is as safe and appropriate. The registered provider should also still look at how it can make the grassed area at the back of the home more accessible to residents.