The Care Quality Commission
  • Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Millers

270A Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XZ (01206) 573959

Provided and run by:
Mrs Kaushali N Kittle and Sudath L Dias

All Inspections

2 October 2013

During a routine inspection

We observed that staff were attentive to people`s needs and treated them with respect and dignity calling them by their name. We saw that staff sought people`s agreement before providing any support and assistance. We saw that the provider gave due consideration to people's capacity to consent, and that the provider had taken the relevant action to ensure that they complied with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

We saw that staff were knowledgeable about people's needs and promoted their independence. When we talked with staff we found that they had a good understanding and awareness of people's care needs and preferences. We saw that care plans and risk assessments were regularly reviewed and updated. One person told us: "The staff always talk to me about my care and support; they are going to help me to move into my own place."

People told us that there were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet the needs of the people who lived in the home. One person who used the service told us, "The staff always have time to talk to me and take me to appointments."

We saw that medicines were stored, administered and disposed of correctly.

People who used the service told us they were aware of how to make a complaint and who to make it to.

4 January 2013

During a routine inspection

We gathered evidence of people's experiences of the service by talking with people, observing how they spent their time and noting how they interacted with staff.

During our inspection we spoke with one person who told us about their life at Millers and how they liked to spend their time. They were very positive about the support they received. We saw that the people living there spoke confidently with members of staff and were able to express their needs and wishes.

We found that staff received the training they needed to provide care and support safely and were able to demonstrate that they understood the needs of the people using the service. Staff at Millers interacted well with people and treated them with respect.

We saw that Millers was homely, people chose how they spent their time and were involved in the day to day running of the home.

5 March 2012

During a routine inspection

Where people were unable to provide a verbal response or tell us verbally their experiences, for example as a result of their limited verbal communication or poor cognitive ability, we noted their non verbal cues and these indicated that people were generally relaxed and comfortable and found their experience at the service to be positive.

People with whom we spoke told us that generally they were able to make choices about some aspects of their care. For example, we spoke with two people about how they are supported to choose what to eat each day. They told us that staff offer them a choice of meals each day and that they can also choose where they have these, for example in the comfort of their own rooms or in the dining room. They are also able to make a decision as to whether or not they participate in social activities.

Another person who uses this service told us they are able to make decisions about going out and what time they go to bed.

Those people with whom we spoke indicated they could choose whether or not to join in activities and could spend time alone in their room pursuing their own interests if they preferred.

The people with whom we spoke made the following comments 'It's great I have been to London' and 'They keep an eye on you.'

People using the service told us that staff helped them with their medication when they needed it.

People spoken with indicated that they were happy with their rooms and found them comfortable.

People told us that they feel well looked after by the staff at Millers. One person with whom we spoke said "I like cooking with the staff, it's great having them around."

People spoken with indicated that they were satisfied with the level of care and support they received at Millers.