13 June 2012
During a routine inspection
We carried out our visit during the afternoon and early evening time so that we could have the opportunity to meet as many as possible of the seven people living at Hermitage Way when they returned from their daytime activities. Six of the people we met were happy to share their views and experiences with us and were fully involved in supporting this review. We spent time observing the care and support given to the people in the communal areas of the home. We spoke with the staff member on duty and with the area manager for Self Unlimited, the organisation responsible for the care and support of people at Hermitage Way.
People told us that they were very happy living at the home. The majority of the people living at Hermitage Way had lived there for a very long time. Everybody we met told us they felt fully included and involved in making decisions about their lifestyle at the home. We saw that people lived very active lives with varying levels of support. People took part in a range of leisure and social activities, both at home and in the local community. People were involved in developing independent living skills as far as they were able.
People were supported to attend regular health care appointments to keep them well. When people's needs increased or changed there was evidence that the home worked with health and social care professionals to safely and effectively manage the support they required.
All care records were seen to be well organised and reviewed regularly. People were involved to make sure their care plans contained details about issues that were important to them. Records described their likes and dislikes, needs and preferences and ways they promoted their independence.
People said that they enjoyed the meals that they had at Hermitage Way and people said that they got together as a group to plan their menus and food shopping. Staff told us how people were encouraged and supported to eat healthy and nutritious meals in order to maintain their good health.
People were supported to manage their money and effective records and regular checks ensured that people's money was always accounted for.
People were supported by a knowledgeable and well trained staff team who knew people's care and support needs well. People told us that they liked the staff that looked after them and they felt safe. Many of the staff had worked at the home for a long period of time. Staff and people living at Hermitage Way regularly described it as being like 'one big family'. They told us relatives were encouraged to be involved and part of that family if their family member wished this to happen.
The home effectively ensured that people's views were considered and listened to in relation to the running of the home. We saw the home had comprehensive quality monitoring tools in use to ensure that they maintained good quality and safe care. They effectively sought people's views about their care and listened to them. Staff told us that the service was always led first and foremost for the benefit of the people who lived there.