11 January 2011
During a routine inspection
Each person using the service has a very comprehensive care plan in place which details their care needs and the support they require in each area of their life. The care plans are regularly reviewed to ensure that their changing needs are taken into account when planning their care. In addition, we were able to confirm that the individual concerned other health professionals and their families where appropriate, are fully involved in their reviews.
The care plans we viewed contained very thorough risk assessments in relation to areas such as pressure care, falling and nutrition. Any risk to the individual had been clearly identified and detailed guidance was in place to help carers promote the person's safety.
The manager told us that the home had very positive relationships with community health care professionals and this was confirmed by a visiting district nurse. She told us that the home were very good at identifying and acting upon any health related concerns and also said that staff always incorporated any advice she gave into care plans.
Staff are trained to assist with medication and regular audits take place including observation of staff practice with regard to medication to ensure the health and welfare of the people using the service.
The home also ensure that those persons unable to read or understand menus, are given the opportunity to make food choices by showing the plated up options available each day and encouraged to indicate a preference.
Each bedroom door on this unit has been updated to look like a front door of a house with panels and brass furniture to encourage a sense of ownership of their room. The doors have been painted different colours to make it easier for people to recognise their rooms.
A number of seating areas have been developed around the unit so that people, who choose to move about, can take rests.
Some themes have been introduced on the unit, for example one of the seating areas has been decorated to look like a park.
All around the unit there are pictures of residents and pieces of artwork they have created. There are memory boxes arranged around the unit for people to look at and pictures and posters from various eras.
There is a robust recruitment policy and procedure in place there are sufficient numbers of trained staff on duty at all times.
The number of trained staff is high with the majority obtaining an NVQ qualification in Care at levels 1 and 2. Staff have also received specialised dementia care training.
Staff are well supported and provided with one to one regular formal supervision in order to discuss their professional development and any training needs.
There are various formal and informal measures in place to ensure the views of the people receiving the service are heard and taken in consideration for future planning purposes.
All records seen were up to date and kept secure and confidential.
Aarondale has the benefit of a suitably experienced and qualified manager who demonstrates a genuine commitment to providing a good quality service.