Archived: Longcombe Residential Home

People knew the staff well and staff were able to describe how they encouraged and supported people to be as independent as possible and to participate in local activities. At the time of the inspection, two people were going out to a swimming session and then going shopping. From photos of previous sessions, it was evident that people enjoyed swimming. We were told that one person had just bought a new fashionable coat. This was seen with the obvious delight of the owner!

People received appropriate care and support which was based on individual needs, interests and preferences. Care needs were identified from previous records and assessment, in discussion with professionals and through body expressions. Individual mannerisms helped staff to know what each person needed. Care was centred on each person individually which meant that safe support was provided which enabled individuals to be as independent as possible. A wide range of community activities and outings were arranged which took account of each person's individual choices.

There was a new medication system in place. Staff were able to describe and we observed the procedures and recording methods followed. Records were accurate and up to date.

Staff worked as a close and supportive team to ensure that people’s needs were met. Staff were knowledgeable and skilled in working with people at the home. Active support was provided by the home’s manager who told us ‘the people and staff team were wonderful, everyone works well together’. Care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare.

We saw that there were systems throughout the home to monitor and continually improve the quality of care provided.

We were told that the home, which is owned by Guinness Care and Support Limited, had made an application to deregister the service as a residential home and move toward a supported living environment. Building plans for the new scheme were seen.

The people who lived in this service were unable to talk with us. Because of this we looked at records, talked with staff and observed the way that the care was provided.

We saw that the staff maintained up to date records of what support had been given to people. This meant that visiting professionals and family could refer to them for progress reports as the people concerned could not talk for themselves.

Staff talked of their awareness of how to keep people safe from harm. They told us about the training that the home had arranged for them to attend so that they would recognise abuse and how to report it.

We saw that staff were always available when people needed help. We saw that staff were friendly and professionally.