We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Barn on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about The Barn, you can give feedback on this service.
The provider had established good links with other care homes in the area to share stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE). This helped to maintain a safe community.
The provider gave people who lived in the home guidance in formats that they could understand about maintaining their safety during the pandemic. People were supported to follow good hand hygiene procedures and to maintain social distancing.
The provider had supported people to maintain relationships that were important to them. They had used technology to support people to contact their families and followed local guidance about reintroducing visiting safely.
The provider had ensured people were protected from the risk of infection while taking account of individuals’ needs and allowing them to continue with accessing the local community in a safe way.
Following our last inspection, we asked the provider to complete an action plan to show us what they would do and by when to improve the key questions of safe, effective, responsive and well led to at least good. During this inspection, we found improvements had been made and were meeting the requirements of the current regulation.
The Barn is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
The Barn accommodates up to 12 people who require support with personal care in one adapted building. At the time of our inspection 11 people lived at the service. All of the bedrooms were of single occupancy over two floors, there were two communal lounges, kitchen facilities and outside accessible space. The home was located in a residential area of Leyland close to local shops, amenities and public transport links.
The service had a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. 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 was run.
People we spoke with to us they felt safe living in the home. Staff understood how to deal with any allegations of abuse and records we looked at confirmed investigations had been completed.
Systems were in place that ensured medicines were handled safely in the home. Medicines were stored safely in locked cupboards and records had been completed to confirm their administration safely.
Environmental checks and servicing had been completed as well as completed environmental risk assessments that confirmed that the home was safe for people to live in.
Training records confirmed that the staff had undertaken the relevant training to support their role. Appropriate numbers of staff were in place to deliver good care to people and we saw the staff had been recruited appropriately.
People were asked permission from staff before undertaking any care or activity. Details about consent was recorded in people’s care files. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards applications had been submitted to the assessing authority. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
The home was operating under the principle of registering the right support. People were involved in choice in respect of their care and were encouraged to be independent. Care files reflected people’s individual health needs and confirmed relevant professionals had been involved. Care plans and risk assessments contained good information about how to support people’s individualised needs.
A detailed programme of activities was available to people and we saw them taking part in a community activity on the day of our inspection.
We received positive feedback about the leadership and management of the home. All members of the staff team were open and transparent and supportive of the inspection. Audits and monitoring was being undertaken that demonstrated the home was safe for people to live in.
The procedure for raising complaints was available to people who used the service and visitors to home. We saw positive feedback from people about the home.
The last inspection of this location was conducted on 17 March 2015. The overall rating at that time was ‘requires improvement’, with five breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 being identified. Three of the breaches were in relation to safe care and treatment; the other two were around the need for consent and good governance. We asked the provider to tell us what they were going to do in order to address the shortfalls identified. The provider submitted an action plan, as requested.
This inspection was conducted on 14 February 2017 and it was unannounced, which meant that people did not know we were going to visit the home.
The registered manager was on duty at the time of our inspection. 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 of the Health and Social Care Act and associated regulations about how the service is run.
At this inspection we found two breaches of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, in relation to the need for consent and safe care and treatment.
At our last inspection on17 March 2015 we found that people who used the service were not protected against the risks associated with the unsafe use and management of medicines, because appropriate arrangements had not been made for the obtaining, recording, using and safe administrations of medicines. Therefore, this area was in need of improvement. We made a requirement about this. The provider sent us their action plan, which showed that actions would be completed by 30 June 2015.
During the course of this inspection we assessed the management of medicines. We found that on this occasion improvements had been made in this area, which helped to protect people from any risks associated with the unsafe use of medicines. Therefore, the previous breach of the Health and Social Care Act regulations had been met. However, we found that hand written entries on the medicine administration records (MAR) had not always been countersigned by another person to reduce the possibility of errors. We have made a recommendation that all hand written entries are signed by two members of staff to ensure accuracy.
At our last inspection on17 March 2015 we found that proper steps had not always been taken to ensure people were protected against the risks of receiving inappropriate or unsafe care or treatment. This was because risks relating to their health, welfare and safety had not always been well managed. Therefore, this area was in need of improvement. We made a requirement about this. The provider sent us their action plan, which showed that actions would be completed by 31 July 2015.
At this inspection we found that robust risk assessments had been implemented in relation to health, welfare and safety. Environmental risk assessments had also been introduced. This helped to keep people safe. Therefore, the previous breach of the Health and Social Care Act regulations had been met.
At our last inspection on17 March 2015 we found that people who used the service and others were not always protected against the risk of acquiring an infection, because infection control protocols were not consistently being followed. Therefore, this area was in need of improvement. We made a requirement about this. The provider sent us their action plan, which showed that actions would be completed by 8 May 2015.
At this inspection we found that the cleanliness of the premises had improved. It was realised that because of the age of the fixtures and fittings the environment was difficult to maintain to a good standard of cleanliness. We recognised the effort which had been taken to make the improvements. Therefore, the previous breach of the Health and Social Care Act regulations had been met. However, we found that infection control practices were not always promoted, in relation to health. One person was receiving treatment for scabies, but they were seen entering the laundry and were also seen lying on other people’s beds. This meant there was a potential risk of cross infection whilst treatment was being received. Therefore, this was a breach of Regulation 12 Safe care and treatment of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
At our last inspection on17 March 2015 we found a breach of Regulation 13 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This was because the registered person had not acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The provider had not taken appropriate steps where people had been deprived of their liberty for safeguarding (DoLS) to have the authorised restrictions in place reviewed. We made a requirement about this. The provider sent us their action plan, which showed that actions would be completed by 18 May 2015.
At this inspection we found that DoLS authorisations had been followed up, which meant that the previous breach of Regulation 13 had been met. However, on this occasion, we found that Mental Capacity Assessments had not always been conducted, in order to determine capacity levels, prior to important specific decisions being made and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard applications being submitted. Also evidence was not always available to demonstrate that decisions had been made in the best interests of those who lived at the home.
Therefore, this was a breach of Regulation 11 Need for consent of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
At our last inspection on17 March 2015 we found that the registered person had not protected people against the risk of unsafe care or treatment, because systems for assessing and monitoring the quality of service provided were not always effective. Therefore, this area was in need of improvement. We made a requirement about this. The provider sent us their action plan, which showed that actions would be completed by 30 June 2015.
At this inspection we found significant improvements had been made in this area. The systems which had been implemented for assessing and monitoring the quality of service provided were robust. Therefore, whilst the previous breach of the Health and Social Care Act regulations had been met, we have still made a recommendation around this area.
At this inspection we looked at the personnel records of two staff members recruited. We found that on this occasion staff had been appropriately appointed and therefore people who lived at The Barn were protected by the recruitment practices adopted by the home.
Regular supervision sessions for staff were being conducted. Annual appraisals were in the process of being introduced. We found that a varied training programme had been provided for the staff team, which helped them to keep abreast of current practices and any changes in legislation. However there were some gaps found in the knowledge and skills of staff in managing peoples nutritional and hydration needs. We have made a recommendation that the provider ensures that all staff have had the appropriate training to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to adequately meet people’s nutritional and hydration needs.
At this inspection we found the environment to be warm and comfortable. We observed staff members interacting well with those who lived at The Barn. People looked happy and comfortable in the presence of staff and were enjoying their company.
Fire procedures were easily available, so that people were aware of action they needed to take in the event of a fire and records we saw good information provided about how people needed to be assisted from the building, should the need arise. Records showed that equipment and systems within the home had been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. This helped to protect people from harm.
The service had reported safeguarding concerns to the relevant authorities and suitable arrangements were in place to ensure that staff were deployed, who had the necessary skills and knowledge to meet people's needs safely. A range of health and safety training was provided for the staff team.
People we spoke with were aware of how to raise concerns, should they need to do so. A complaints procedure was in place at the home and a system had been implemented for the recording of complaints received. People's privacy and dignity was consistently respected.
The service worked well with a range of community professionals. This helped to ensure that people's health care needs were being appropriately met. People told us they enjoyed the meals provided. People we spoke with were complementary about the staff team. They felt that they were treated in a kind, caring and respectful manner. People expressed their satisfaction about the home and the services provided.
Regular meetings were held for the staff team. This enabled those who worked at the home to discuss topics of interest in an open forum. Staff we spoke with told us they were happy with the current staffing levels. However, we noted that care staff were responsible for all the ancillary duties, as well as the provision of care and support. We have made a recommendation about the provider reviewing the possibility of appointing ancillary sta
The Barn is a care home providing accommodation for up to 12 adults who have learning disabilities. It is situated in a residential area of Leyland, close to the town centre and all local amenities. Car parking is available on the road and there is an enclosed garden area to the rear of the building. The home is domestic in character and all bedrooms are of single occupancy.
We last inspected this location on 12th September 2013, when we found the service to be compliant with the regulations we assessed at that time.
This unannounced inspection was conducted on 17th March 2015. A Senior Support Worker was in charge when we arrived at the home. She was very co-operative and provided us with the documents we requested. The home did not have a registered manager in post at the time of the inspection. However, a manager had been employed, who was in the process of applying for registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 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.
Records showed new employees were guided through a detailed induction programme and were supported to gain confidence and the ability to deliver the care people needed. We found the planning of people’s care and support to be adequate, although some areas could have been more person centred.
The provision of activities had improved during the recent months. These were tailored to meet people’s needs and enable those who lived at The Barn to maintain links with the local community.
Medications were not being well managed and our findings demonstrated that proper steps had not been taken to ensure people who used the service were protected against the risks of receiving inappropriate or unsafe care or treatment, in relation to the management of medications. This did not help to ensure people’s health; safety and welfare were consistently promoted.
The staff team were confident in reporting any concerns about a person’s safety and were competent to deliver the care and support needed by those who lived at The Barn. However, areas of risk had not always been managed appropriately and legal requirements had not always been followed in relation to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Recruitment procedures adopted by the home were robust. This helped to ensure that only suitable people were appointed to work with this vulnerable client group.
The cleanliness of the premises could have been better. Infection control protocols were not being followed in day to day practice. The communal areas were in need of upgrading and modernising. Systems and equipment within the home had been serviced in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations, to ensure they were safe for use.
The staff team were provided with a wide range of learning modules. This helped to ensure those who worked at The Barn were trained to meet people’s health and social care needs. However, supervision and appraisals for staff could have been more structured and more regular. We have made a recommendation about staff supervision and appraisal.
People were supported to access advocacy services, should they wish to do so. An advocate is an independent person, who will act on behalf of those needing support to make decisions.
Staff were kind and caring towards those they supported and anticipated people’s needs well. People were helped to maintain their independence with their privacy being respected at all times.
People who lived at the home and the staff team were complimentary about the management of the home and felt that if there were any concerns these would be quickly sorted out.
We found several breaches of the Health and Social Care Act (2008) Regulated Activities Regulations. These breaches also amount to breaches of the Health and Social Care Act (2008) (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of this report.
Those using the service all looked happy. They said they felt safe when care and support was being provided and they looked comfortable in the presence of staff. We also spoke with several other people who were involved in supporting those living at the home. They were all very complimentary about the manager and staff team.
Comments we received included:
"We do lots of things. It is great."
"We can bake and we all go to the disco on Friday. I like dancing."
"I have just been to the shop for our food."
Prior to our inspection we liaised with the local authority, who currently had no concerns about this service.
During our inspection we assessed areas relating to care and welfare and how medications were being managed. Standards relating to staff recruitment, complaints and monitoring the quality of service provision were also inspected. We did not identify any concerns in any of the outcome areas we assessed.
We spent some time sitting in the lounge with those living at The Barn. They all looked happy and were laughing and joking with each other and with staff members. They all said they felt safe living at the home and looked comfortable in the presence of staff.
Comments we did receive included:
"I can do what I like."
"I go to the pub down the road sometimes with staff or shopping with Jackie (the manager) in Leyland."
"There's not much going on here, but I have been on holiday to Blackpool with my Mum and Dad and I saw the Illuminations. We had fish and chips too. I love Blackpool."
"Julie, the hairdresser came yesterday. She does all our hair when she comes."
"I 've just got some new bedding. I picked the colours myself to match my bedroom. I also chose my own furniture".
"The lounges have just been decorated and we chose the colours together. They are nice aren't they?".
"I am going home to stay with my family this weekend".
" I ring my own taxi to take me to my mum's and when I go there I take the dogs out for a walk".