Archived: The Aurora Options - 94 Burnt Ash Hill

At our last inspection of this service on 02 November 2015 the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good. The home demonstrated they continued to meet the regulations and fundamental standards.

The home had a registered manager in post. They were knowledgeable about the requirements of a registered manager and their responsibilities with regard to the Health and Social Care Act 2014.

There were safeguarding and whistle blowing procedures in place and staff had a clear understanding of these procedures. We observed and people and staff told us there was always enough staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Appropriate recruitment checks were carried out before staff started working at the home. People were receiving their medicines as prescribed by health care professionals.

Staff had the knowledge and skills required to meet people’s needs. Action was taken to assess any risks to people. People’s needs were assessed and care plans included detailed information and guidance for staff about how their needs should be met. People were encouraged to eat healthy meals and to cook for themselves. The registered manager and staff had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and acted according to this legislation. Staff monitored people’s mental and physical health and where there were concerns people were referred to appropriate health professionals.

People’s care records included communication profiles that recorded their specific methods of communicating with staff. It was evident that staff knew people well and communicated with them effectively. People were supported to engage in relationships, practice their religion, attend their places of worship and enjoy aspects of their cultural background. Care records were person centred and included people’s views about how they wished to be supported. The home had a complaints procedure in place and this was available in a format that people could understand.

The provider recognised the importance of regularly monitoring the quality of the service they provided to people. The registered manager and staff worked effectively with other organisations to ensure staff followed best practice. They took into account the views of people and their relatives through surveys and residents meetings. Staff said they enjoyed working at the home and they received good support from the registered manager.

We found that people using the service were asked for their consent before staff carried out any care, and that staff encouraged people to make their own decisions.

We reviewed some of the care records and found that they were detailed, up to date and that people using the service had signed them. People were encouraged and supported to access the local community, and each person had a weekly activity plan in place.

We were shown around the home by some of the people living there. We saw that the communal areas were comfortable, well decorated and clean. Each of the people using the service had their own bedroom which they had been able to personalise.

We reviewed the staff rota. There was always one member of staff on duty, and during the day, for a number of hours, there were two staff. There were also staff on call if there were any problems.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service being provided. Staff in the home carried out a number of health and safety checks every week; whilst the area manager visited and carried out a quality check every month.