Archived: Preston Park House

There was a welcoming and calm atmosphere in the home. We found that people were being well cared for, and that their privacy and dignity was being respected. They were able to choose what they wanted to do, for example when they got up, and where they ate their meals.

We looked at care plans and saw that they reflected people's individual needs. People told us that the care they received was 'excellent.' We saw that care was monitored daily, and recorded accurately.

We observed two meals and saw that the food was freshly cooked and nutritious. People could choose from a daily menu and special diets and preferences were catered for. One person said, 'It's a good variety ' very well cooked and served nicely. The cook comes round and asks if you enjoyed your meal.' We saw that drinks were available throughout the day. Staff helped people who needed it and that they were given plenty of time to eat and drink.

We looked at the equipment used in the home to help people's mobility and keep them safe. We saw that there were enough wheelchairs for people to use. They were clean and maintained well. We also saw that other equipment such as hoists and stair-lifts were properly maintained.

We looked at how new staff were recruited and how the provider made sure that they were fit and suitable to do the job they had applied for. We saw that all appropriate checks had been made and that the manager regularly monitored this. People that we spoke with told us that they were confident that staff looked after them well.

We looked at how the provider kept records, and found that they were accurate, up to date, secure, and kept for the correct length of time. We saw that confidential records were disposed of securely.

During our inspection on 22 October 2013 we found the provider to be non compliant with regard to regulation 15 (1) (a) as the layout of the home was not a suitable environment for all the people who lived there, and it also made it difficult for staff to provide the care and support people needed in a safe and effective way. The provider sent us an action plan stating how they would become compliant by 1 March 2013. When we visited on 31 May 2013 we found that these alterations had taken place and further improvements were underway.

People were provided with a clean and tidy home with well maintained grounds. The provider had worked hard to resolve difficulties posed by the physical environment in a listed building. Staff told us that it was a lot easier to care for people after the changes had taken place.

People told us they liked the food served in the home and they knew what meal they were having. Themed nights, such as when Chinese food was offered, had also been introduced. People told us they liked this idea. We saw that some people required help to eat their meals. They were well supported by staff.

People we spoke with said they thought the home was a safe place for them to live. One person said 'Oh yes I do feel safe. I had falls at home, so I feel safer living here'. People said they would raise any concerns if they had any and share these with staff.

People who lived in the home said staff were available when they needed them and they understood the care and support they needed. One person said 'The staff are marvellous and there is always staff around to help you'.

People were provided with a clean and tidy home which was well maintained. The layout of the home and the size of some of the rooms meant that the home was not a suitable environment for all of the people who live here. It also made it difficult for staff to always provide the care and support people needed in a safe and effective way.