Franklyn Lodge The Farm House

Updated 8 January 2020

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

Franklyn Lodge -The Farm House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

Before the inspection visit, we reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. This included information about incidents the provider must notify us of, such as any allegations of abuse.

During the inspection

All the people in the home had learning disabilities and could not always communicate with us and tell us what they thought about the service. We therefore spent time at the home observing the experience of the people and their care, how staff interacted with people and how they supported people during the day. We met four people who lived in the home and spoke with two of them about their experience of the care provided. We also spoke with members of staff, including the registered manager and three care workers.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records, medication records for all people in the home and incident and accidents records. We also reviewed a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including quality assurance audits and checks and records relating to the safety of the premises.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. Staff files were kept at the head office and therefore after the inspection, the provider sent us evidence of staff training. We also spoke with three relatives about their experience of care provided.

Updated 8 January 2020

About the service

Franklyn Lodge -The Farm House is a care home registered to provide accommodation and support with personal care for six people with learning disabilities and complex needs. At the time of this inspection, six people lived in the home.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People in the home had learning disabilities and could not always communicate with us and tell us what they thought about the home. We therefore spent time on the inspection observing the experience of people and their care. We also observed how staff interacted with people and the support they provided. We noted that people appeared at ease when in the presence of staff. Staff were patient and respectful when interacting and supporting with people and there was a relaxed atmosphere in the home.

People received person centred care which was responsive to their needs. Staff understood how to manage any risks to people and knew the processes to follow to manage any allegations of abuse. Care records provided detailed information about people's needs and preferences.

We checked the arrangements in place in respect of medicines. Care workers had received medicines management training and policies and procedures were in place. Medicines Administration Records (MARs) we looked at were completed with no unexplained gaps indicating people received medicines as prescribed.

Some people in the home required support with their finances. However, we noted there was no documented evidence that audits were carried out on people’s finances. We have made a recommendation in respect of this.

Appropriate fire safety arrangements were in place.

Staff had the time to ensure they met people's needs safely, and in a way that suited them. People received care from a small team of staff who were well supported by the registered manager. Staff worked well together and told us they communicated well within the home.

On the day of the inspection, we noted that the living room was in the process of being renovated. After the inspection, the registered manager sent us evidence of the completed renovations. We however noted that the ground floor communal bathroom was still in need of renovation.

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 home supported this practice. People were involved in making decisions about their care and support. Staff supported people to express their views and they consulted them about all aspects of their care through regular key worker sessions and resident’s meetings.

The registered manager and staff were caring and provided people's care in a person-centred way. Staff were friendly, and treated people with respect. People's care plans were detailed and provided staff with comprehensive guidance on how to meet people's needs.

The majority of staff had completed appropriate training. Where training was outstanding, the registered manager assured us that this would be completed. Staff spoke positively about their experiences working at the home and said that they received support from management. Teamwork was effective in the home.

Staff supported people to have a healthy and nutritious diet that was in line with their individual dietary needs and preferences. People and relatives spoke positively about the meals provided in the home.

People and their relatives’ involvement in decision-making about the care provided was encouraged by staff and management. People’s care plans supported a person-centred approach. People had support to lead lifestyles of their choosing, access the local community and participate in recreational activities.

An appropriate complaints procedure was in place. We noted that since the last inspection, the service had not received any complaints.

People benefitted from a service that had an open and inclusive culture. The home was managed effectively. Morale among staff was positive and they spoke enthusiastically about working at the home. Staff told us management were approachable and felt their own work was valued.

Management monitored the quality of the services and safety of the service to ensure it remained safe for people.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 31 May 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.