An autism care home has been rated as inadequate overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after it found an unexplained injury was not investigated quickly enough.
Inspectors found The Hoffmann Foundation for Autism – 4 Park Avenue in Wood Green, north London, also found that risks were not fully assessed and inspectors reported that two bathrooms were out of use. There was also an “unpleasant smell” in one bedroom and a bathroom. The residential care home can provide accommodation and care for up to six people with learning disabilities and may have autism or Asperger’s Syndrome.
The care home was rated as inadequate for being safe and well-led and requires improvement for being effective, caring and responsive. The CQC also found that risks associated with people’s health and care were identified but not appropriately assessed, and people’s care plans and risk assessments were not reviewed and updated when their needs changed. In addition, carpets were damaged and some flooring was uneven, presenting tripping hazards, while the premises were dirty and doors damaged which posed a risk to security.
Autism care home review will take place within six months
The report added, “However, inspectors did see that people shared positive and caring relationships with staff. Relatives said staff were caring and friendly. People’s cultural and spiritual needs were acknowledged and supported when required.”
CQC’s Debbie Ivanova: “If there is not enough improvement we could take action to prevent the provider from operating this service.”
Debbie Ivanova, CQC’s deputy chief inspector of adult social care, said: “The Hoffmann Foundation for Autism – 4 Park Avenue will continue to be kept under review. Where necessary, another inspection will be conducted within six months, and if there is not enough improvement we could take action to prevent the provider from operating this service.”
The full report is available at http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-124999804
