Howbury House Resource Centre

Howbury House Resource Centre is an adapted building with care and support provided across one floor. The home is divided into four main units and all units had communal lounge and dining areas. Not all bedrooms were ensuite but there were further bathroom facilities located on each floor. External garden areas were accessible for people and these areas were safe and secure.

At this inspection, we found staffing levels had been increased and people told us, staff were able to support them more effectively. However, further improvements were needed to care planning, risk management and quality assurance systems to help keep people protected and to ensure the provider had effective oversight of the service.

Care plans and risk assessments were completed, however, in some cases where support was required for eating and drinking, these were not always completed accurately or reviewed in a timely way. Other records associated with the support people received were not accurate or detailed enough.

People were complimentary of staff and said staff had time to spend with them. People felt the service was responsive to their needs. Staff knew people well and we saw during staff quickly responded to situations to help maintain an environment that promoted good care outcomes.

Staff interacted with people at their pace, unrushed and joked and laughed with each other. Staff were involved and engaged and had time to sit and chat to people which helped develop relaxed and supportive relationships. The provider had their own staff team and had local initiatives to increase the recruitment of staff. The registered manager relied on agency staff to support safe staffing levels and the same agency staff were used for continuity of care. This meant staff who supported people knew them well. Staff had received training in key areas and staff said they felt supported to pursue additional training and opportunities to increase their knowledge and confidence.

Infection control systems ensured the home was clean. Housekeeping staff supported the home and staff wore personal protective equipment to help minimise the risk of cross infection. Maintenance and regular environmental checks on health and safety ensured the home remained safe for people.

People's overall feedback to us about the service they received was positive. People and relatives could attend meetings to share any feedback about the service. Post pandemic, plans were in place to increase the frequency of these meetings.

Visitors were welcomed and there were no restrictions on visiting arrangements.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Staff understood their responsibility to report any concerns to protect people from the risk of abuse.

Positive links with a local GP practice ensured people were reviewed and seen promptly. People were supported by a nurse practitioner who attended the service weekly to review and support people's physical and emotional needs. The nurse practitioner liaised with local health professionals to ensure people received external support when needed.