Inspection on 04/10/06 for Knyveton Hall

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What the care home does well

Detailed assessments, including the seeking of information from external health and social care professionals, enables the home to make an informed decision as to whether the service is able to meet prospective residents` needs. One resident spoken with said that they were in no doubt that `Knyveton is the best place I could move to.` Detailed individual personal, social and healthcare assessments and plans of care support and inform the delivery of person centred care. Effective links with external professionals, individualised risk assessments and health promotion support the home to meet people`s healthcare needs. People living at Knyveton are treated with care and respect, preserving both privacy and dignity. One resident spoken with said that `staff are very kind and look after me well.` Assessments and opportunities for social engagement both in and outside the home reflect residents` expectations and interests, enabling them to enjoy a varied and qualitative lifestyle. Residents maintain contact with people outside the home, so that they continue to experience relationships, which are meaningful, to them. Knyveton supports people to make choices about their lifestyle, assisting them to exercise control and autonomy in their daily routine. A varied and nutritious diet is provided, which meets the individual needs of residents, enabling them to enjoy meals in the surroundings of their choice. One resident said that they felt that the menu is `excellent.` Residents living at Knyveton live in a comfortable environment, which supports people to feel that they are living at home. The numbers and skill mix of staff members working in the home satisfactorily meet the needs of residents, ensuring that they are cared for in safe and capable hands. A detailed and inclusive induction programme, equips new staff members with the competencies they require to meet the needs of people living at Knyveton.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Following assessment, letters are now written to prospective residents and, or their families, confirming that, according to the assessment carried out, prospective residents` needs can be met. A care plan is now in place for each resident giving clear guidance to staff on the actions to be taken to meet resident`s health and welfare needs. The deputy manager has worked very hard to implement assessments and care plans, which accurately assess and plan individualised care, which is responsive to people`s current and changing needs. This is an immense achievement since the last inspection visit to the service. Pressure sore and nutritional risk assessments have been completed and any other actual or potential risks are identified enabling potential hazards to be identified and minimised. From the outcomes of assessments appropriate action is taken; including, where necessary, the monitoring of service users weights and their food and fluid intake. Accident reports are now fully completed and identified risks, such as the risk of falls reflected in assessments and care plans, to promote the protection of residents from harm. The home has made progress in ensuring that medicines are safely handled. The audit trail for medicines has improved. Staff members now record the quantity and date when a medicine is supplied to them. When medicines are handwritten on the MAR chart a second competent person checks the details are accurate and countersigns the entry. The home now has a Controlled Drugs record book. The temperature (normal range 2-8(C) of the refrigerator used to store medicines is monitored. The home has worked to ensure that all staff members working in the home have received training in the Protection of Vulnerable Adults and has made progress with improving recruitment practices, supporting the protection of residents from harm. POVAFirst (checks of the Protection of Vulnerable Adults` list) are carried out prior to employment. Criminal Records Bureau checks are sought and two written references placed on file before an applicant starts work in the home.