Housman Care Ltd

Staff understood how to recognise and report abuse. There were systems for reporting safeguarding concerns to the relevant authorities.

“Staff had knowledge of how to detect abuse and how to raise concerns.” from the report

Inspectors found recruitment checks were robust. People, relatives and staff said there were enough staff to provide support when needed.

“People, staff and relatives told us there were enough staff to ensure people received care and support when needed.” from the report

Each person had an emergency evacuation plan, and these plans were regularly updated and accessible.

“There were detailed fire procedures including Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) for every person using the service.” from the report

People took part in activities during the inspection and relatives said they were encouraged to maintain contact with their loved ones.

“There were a range of activities in the home during both days of inspection.” from the report

Inspectors saw people left with clothing or undergarments exposed and saw personal care being carried out without enough privacy. People were also moved without always being asked where they wanted to go.

“The provider had failed to ensure people were treated with dignity and respect.” from the report

Records did not always reflect people's actual health or care. Important information from shift handovers, including when people were unwell, was not recorded consistently.

“There was no consistent system to identify and record key information from shift handovers, for example when people were unwell.” from the report

A person told inspectors they felt unwell, but action had not been taken promptly to find out what was wrong. Another person asked quietly for help and did not receive a timely response.

“However, no action had been taken to seek medical advice to identify what was wrong.” from the report

Inspectors found toothbrushes that appeared unused and staff could not explain how oral care was being provided for some people. The provider reinforced expectations, and inspectors found improvement on the second day.

“We were not assured that oral care was being carried out consistently.” from the report

Medicines were stored safely, but records for controlled medicines were not always accurate or up to date.

“Improvements were needed to how they were recorded in the drugs register, which providers need to ensure is accurate and up to date.” from the report