The Care Quality Commission
  • Care Home
  • Care home

Archived: Barley Close

Axminster Road, Musbury, Axminster, Devon, EX13 8AQ (01297) 552913

Provided and run by:
Voyage Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

12 July 2013

During a routine inspection

At the time of the inspection, there were six people living at the service. We met with or observed the care of all six people.

People living at Barley Close could not verbally communicate with us so we observed people's care and their interactions with staff in communal areas. We could see that people were relaxed and happy with the staff and in their surroundings. We saw that people were smiling, making 'happy noises' and enjoying various activities. People were moving freely around the home making choices about where and how they spent their time. Staff provided support and care in a sensitive and friendly way.

We spoke with one relative, and five visiting health professionals (including a learning disability nurse specialist; an occupational therapist (OT); speech and language therapist (SALT); social worker and physiotherapist.

The relative told us they were 'very pleased with everything' and that with the registered manager 'at the helm' things were 'fantastic'. The relative told us that their family member's needs were understood and their care needs were met 'on their terms. X is given choices'. We heard that the staff team were friendly and approachable and that they 'go above and beyond' to get things right for people.

Visiting professionals told us that they had seen some positive improvements over the past months. Professionals were confident that the service was meeting people's needs. Comments included, 'There is a settled happy feel about the home now', 'Staff show empathy for people and are providing supportive care', 'Things are absolutely fine there, we have no concerns', 'They took on board our recommendations and tried things out. They are good at developing their own ideas for people too', 'They are pro-active and I can see that people are engaging well with staff' and 'Staff take the initiative and risk assess to enable people to do things'.

We found that Barley Close was meeting all of the five outcomes we inspected.

28 September 2012

During a routine inspection

We had planned to carry out an inspection at Barley Close however following a safeguarding review by Devon County Council relating to a safeguarding alert made by the home, we brought the inspection forward. The safeguarding process was concluded with a recommendation that a Learning Disability community nurse monitored the situation and provided additional support to the service to ensure people were safe and practices were consistent.

During the inspection we were joined by a Learning Disability community nurse to review the care and support for one person in particular.

As people living at Barley Close had verbal communication difficulties we were unable to speak with them about their experience of living at the service. We spent time observing the care and support provided to people and we spoke with staff at the service. We contacted five health and social care professionals following the inspection to hear their views on the service and how the service worked in partnership with them in order to ensure people received the appropriate care and support.

We found that staff had a good understanding of people's communication needs and people responded well to staff. We found that people enjoyed a variety of activities and that they were supported to access the community and become involved in community issues. The majority of staff were very respectful when supporting people and most staff were mindful of people's dignity.

We found that staff worked to ensure people were given choices; during the inspection we saw that people were able to decide what they wanted to do during the day, with staff support as needed. People living at Barley Close were unable to give their verbal consent for complex treatment or care; however we saw a number of ways in which people's best interest was considered and acted upon.

People were supported to be able to eat and drink sufficient amounts to meet their needs. We found that people were offered a varied diet and we saw that snacks and drinks were offered regularly to people throughout the day. Staff were on hand to assist and supervise as necessary at mealtimes.

We spoke with five health and social care professionals, who gave us mixed feedback about their experience of the service. Three health professionals told us that the service worked well with them; comments included, 'Staff showed an excellent understanding of the person', 'They (staff) seek advice appropriately' and 'Staff really take on board what I have said'team leaders have done everything we have asked' Two other professionals felt there were aspects of the service which could be improved. For example one told us that there had been delays in implementing a sensory programme for one person.

There had been an unsettled period at the service following changes to the management and care team. Visiting professionals and staff told us this had improved recently with the appointment of a new manager.

During this inspection we found areas of concern relating to the care and welfare of people who use the service. We found that care and treatment was not always planned and delivered in a way that ensured people's safety and welfare.