A residential care home that specialises in the care of people with autism has been rated as Inadequate overall by the Care Quality Commission.
The Hoffmann Foundation for Autism – 4 Park Avenue, is based in Wood Green, north London. It is a residential care home registered to provide accommodation and personal care support for up to six people who have learning disabilities and may have autism, Asperger's Syndrome or display characteristics that fall within the autistic spectrum disorder.
The care home was rated as Inadequate for being safe and well-led. It was rated Requires Improvement for being effective, caring and responsive.
During the inspection which took place in November 2017, CQC found:
Risks associated with people's health and care were identified but not appropriately assessed.
People's care plans and risk assessments were not reviewed and updated when people's needs changed.
A person's unexplained injury was not investigated and reported to the local authorities in a timely manner.
Inspectors found two bathrooms were out of use. There was an unpleasant smell in a bedroom and a bathroom. Damaged carpets and uneven flooring presented tripping hazards. The premises were dirty and required cleaning.
The kitchen and front doors had been damaged and not properly repaired which presented a security issue.
The medicines cupboard temperature was not always recorded. Staff rotas were not consistent and staff were not appropriately deployed to meet people's needs.
People did not always receive dignity in care. Not all staff were trained in equality and diversity and dignity. The service did not engage with people in seeking their feedback about the quality of care delivery.
However, inspectors did see that people shared positive and caring relationships with staff. Relatives said staff were caring and friendly. People's cultural and spiritual needs were acknowledged and supported when required.
The overall rating for this service is 'Inadequate' and the service is therefore in 'special measures'. Services in special measures will be kept under review. The expectation is that providers found to have been providing Inadequate care should have made significant improvements within six months.
Debbie Ivanova, CQC’s Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, said:
“The Hoffmann Foundation for Autism – 4 Park Avenue will continue to be kept under review. Where necessary, another inspection will be conducted within six months, and if there is not enough improvement we could take action to prevent the provider from operating this service.”
You can read the report in full on our website.
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