Two people using services were present in the home at the outset of the visit. One person was engaged in his review meeting and unavailable to give feedback about his experiences. The other person had no verbal communication to obtain his views.Shortly before the end of the visit two other people using services returned from a group activity and opportunity was taken for a short discussion with one individual with limited verbal communication. We were informed by this person that he experienced choice of social activities he participated in, both at the home and in the community and enjoyed shopping. That particular morning he had participated in a community bowling activity supported by staff after which he had enjoyed a pub lunch on the way home. He said there was always a choice of breakfasts and sometimes other meals and the food at the home was good. He informed us he is happy living at Combe House and that staff listen to him and respect his wishes. He stated he and his carers were involved in planning his care and support. He told us staff encouraged and promoted his independence in relation to personal care and supported him in practicing independent living skills, involving him in domestic routine and food preparation. He stated he felt safe living at Combe House and liked all the staff.
A social care professional interviewed during the visit informed us of her overall satisfaction with the care and support received by the person she supported, placed by the Local Authority she works for. She expressed confidence in improvements being implemented and proposed by the home's management. Examples given included an increased focus on person centred planning and the intention to produce a suitably structured, individualised plan for meeting the specific, complex needs of the person she supports and for increased opportunities for use of community resources. She was also very positive about the benefits of a new cabin recently erected in the grounds which is to be heated and equipped with sensory equipment. It was anticipated the new facility would further enhance the quality of life of the person she supports and others. We were informed that the home communicates significant information to her in a timely way. In her experience staff generally satisfactorily managed the behaviours and worked hard to meet the needs of the person funded by her Local Authority.
We spoke with two carers present during the visit to attend a review meeting for their relative. The said they were encouraged by the joint decisions at the meeting, proposed developments and recent improvements at the home. They had not always been happy with aspects of how the home was run in the past but felt the home was moving in the right direct, commenting, 'It's the best it has ever been'. They were positive about the ongoing investment in the environment and improved arrangements for maintenance. They were satisfied with arrangements for meeting their relative's health needs. They also confirmed appreciation of staffs' attention to encourage their relative to have a good standard of personal hygiene and appearance, respecting his dignity.