Archived: Orchard House

This inspection was to look at the evidence available following the action plan we received from the provider. We needed to see if improvements had been made. We found that suitable and sufficient improvements had been made where we had identified concerns. This meant medication management was safe, and records were stored in the correct manner.

We spoke with one person using the service and the two staff on duty. The staff confirmed they understood medication management and the person using the service was happy to show us how their medication was stored. Staff also showed us the way care records were managed which demonstrated they were stored appropriately.

We saw staff provided sensitive support and people using the service were treated with respect. We saw people were encouraged to be as independent as possible in their home and in the community. People told us they did a range of activities and went out as much as they wanted to including working, going to college, and going out with friends and family in the community.

We saw the care records included photographs of important people, places and events. People's views were taken into consideration when planning their care, and people were able to take control of how they wanted to be supported. One person told us, 'I like to go out with my friends and family. We get to do what we want to do. The staff help us if we need them.'

Medication was not kept securely and medicines were administered and managed by the staff. The medication records did not record all information needed to ensure people received all their medicines at the right time.

Records were not kept securely to ensure they were maintained confidentially. Records relating to support for people living in the community were not available in the service to demonstrate how support was provided and kept under review.

We saw that people received care and support that met their individual needs. The care records included pictures and photographs to support understanding. People were happy with the care they received. Care records were kept up to date and included information about people's needs and preferences.

People using the service told us that they felt safe. We observed the way staff interacted with people and saw positive relationships. The staff were able to identify the signs of abuse and knew what to do if they had any concerns.

We looked at the recruitment procedures for staff and found that suitable systems were in place to protect people, although written evidence to support recruitment practices should be improved upon.

Orchard House had suitable information to support people using the service to complain or raise concerns if they wished to. A relative we spoke with told us, 'I would feel comfortable speaking with Orchard House if I had a complaint. They communicate well and I feel I can contact them at any time.'