Archived: Barn Close Residential Home

Barn Close Residential Home is owned by The Henry Lonsdale Charitable Trust. The home is situated in a residential area of Carlisle and provides accommodation for up to 37 older people. At the time of our inspection there were 30 people living in the home. Barn Close is a period property that has been adapted and extended.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The service was very responsive. The registered manager and her team continuously sought to improve and develop the service to ensure people were able to enjoy a wide range of activities based on their likes and preferences, which made a great impact on their lives and wellbeing. The service had a high level of community engagement which included participation in fundraising for both local and national charities. People enjoyed and were able to take part in activities in their local community.

Care plans were person centred and showed that individual preferences were taken into account. Care plans were subject to regular review to ensure they met people’s changing needs. They were easy to read and based on assessment and reflected the needs of people. Risk assessments were carried out and plans were put in place to reduce risks to people’s safety and welfare.

Where people were not able to make important decisions about their lives the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were followed to protect their rights.

The staff were trained to an appropriate standard and received regular supervision and appraisal. As part of their recruitment process the service carried out background checks on new staff. Staff were aware of how to identify and report abuse. There were policies in place that outlined what to do if staff had concerns about the practice of a colleague.

The service managed medicines appropriately. They were correctly stored, monitored and administered in accordance with the prescription. People were supported to maintain their health and to access health services if needed. People who required support with eating and drinking received it and had their nutrition and hydration support needs regularly assessed.

Staff had developed caring relationships with people and communicated in a kind and professional manner. They were aware of how to treat people with dignity and respect. Policies were in place that outlined expected standards in this area.

There was a complaints procedure in place that outlined how to make a complaint and how long it would take to deal with. People were aware of how to raise a complaint and who to speak to about any concerns they had.

The home was well led by a registered manager who had a clear vision for the future of the service. A quality assurance system was in place that was utilised to improve the service.

"Everywhere is very clean and the carers are excellent."

"The carers are very good as is the laundry lady. My clothes are well cared for and we always have clean sheets and towels."

"I am happy with the care, my room and the food. I think we get good value for money."

"We have no complaints, our relative seems very settled here."

We saw that people were treated with politeness and respect and that any intervention was only done after staff asked for the consent of the individual.

We had evidence to show that people received suitable medical intervention. We also looked at the management of medication and found that this was in order.

The home was clean, fresh and orderly. Furniture, fittings and decor was of a very high quality. People were comfortable and relaxed in all areas of the home.

We looked at a wide range of records and found these to be up-to-date and suitably detailed.

We found that people's views and experiences were taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care. People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights.

People who use the service were protected from the risk of abuse and cared for by suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff. The home kept accurate and appropriate records.