Archived: Aster House

Updated 21 June 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on 11 May 2017and was unannounced. The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Prior the inspection, we reviewed information we held about the service including statutory notifications sent to us by the registered manager about incidents and events that had occurred at the service. Statutory notifications include information about important events which the provider is required to send us by law. We used this information to plan the inspection.

During the inspection we spoke with three people, two staff and the provider.

We looked at four care plans, three staff files and four medicines records. We also looked at the fire file, health and safety, audits and other records relating to the management of the service.

After the inspection we received feedback from a healthcare professional.

Updated 21 June 2017

Aster House is a care home that provides services to people with mental health needs. The home can accommodate up to eight women. At the time of the inspection there were eight women using the service.

At the previous inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection, we found the service remained Good.

People continued to be protected against the risk of harm and abuse. Staff were aware of the different types of abuse and how people may present when being subjected to abuse. Staff received on-going safeguarding training that gave them the skills and understanding on how to respond and report suspected abuse. The service developed comprehensive risk assessments that identified risks and gave staff clear guidance on how to support people safely.

People continued to receive their medicines in line with good practice. The service had systems in place that ensured people received their medicines as prescribed. The storage, administration and recording of medicines were effective.

People were supported by sufficient numbers of suitable staff who met their needs safely. The service maintained robust employment processes that ensured only suitably vetted staff were employed. Staff received on-going supervisions and appraisal where they reflected on their working practices.

People’s care was delivered in line with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Staff sought people’s consent to care and treatment and respected their decisions. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible.

People continued to have their dietary and nutritional needs met by the service. People had access to sufficient amounts of food and drink that met their preferences in line with their health care needs. People had their health needs monitored in line with guidance from healthcare professionals.

People were encouraged to make decisions about their care. Staff supported people to develop their life skills to enhance their independence. People were supported to maintain their dignity and were treated with respect. People continued to be encouraged to participate in activities of their choice both in the service and in the local community. Where appropriate people were supported to seek employment.

People continued to receive care and support that was person centred and tailored to their needs. People had access to their care plans which were reviewed regularly to reflect their changing needs. People were aware of how to raise a concern or complaint and felt their complaints would be addressed in a timely manner.

People told us the registered manager was approachable and accessible throughout the day. The registered manager had embedded a culture of transparency, empowerment and inclusion for all within the service.

The service continued to carry out audits of the service to drive improvements. Records confirmed daily, weekly and monthly audits relating to the maintenance, fire, medicines and care plans were undertaken regularly with issues identified acted on in a timely manner.