Albany House - Tisbury

Updated 19 September 2024

Date of assessment:15 October to 4 November 2024. Albany House – Tisbury provides accommodation and personal care for 21 older people. At the time of our assessment there were 19 people using the service. We undertook an unannounced on-site assessment on the 15 October 2024, followed by an announced on-site assessment on 18 and 24 October 2024. This assessment was undertaken due to concerns we had received about the service. We found 3 breaches of the legal regulations in relation to risk management, the environment and governance.

There was a lack of management oversight and auditing, and action had not been taken to ensure a safe environment. Other risks to people’s safety had not been identified or mitigated. After identifying our concerns about the environment and lack of action taken, leaders addressed the immediate shortfalls. However, more action to address fire safety and electrical works, hot surfaces and falling from height, and refurbishment of some areas was required. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

There were not always enough staff and housekeeping staff were only deployed in the mornings on weekdays. Not all staff had completed their mandatory training including safeguarding, and whilst there were many informal discussions, a formal staff supervision session was not established. However, there was a caring, supportive culture and people’s rights were promoted. Positive interactions were observed between people and staff and choice and independence were promoted. Rights to privacy, dignity and individuality were respected. There were established relationships with health and social care professionals, which enabled people to receive consistent support to meet their health care needs.

Updated 19 September 2024

People and their relatives were satisfied with the care provided. They said staff were aware of their needs and knew them as a person. However, some people told us they were cold, and others said they did not have any hot water. They said staff had given them a portable heater and carried water to them, but it was not very satisfactory. People gave us variable feedback about staff and whether there were enough. They said shortages sometimes impacted on meals and medicine administration, but their call bell was generally answered in a timely manner. People gave us variable feedback about whether they felt safe, and we received some feedback about staff attitude, including them being rude and bad tempered. People said they were encouraged to lead healthy lives and their rights to privacy, respect and individuality were promoted. People said staff encouraged them to be as independent as possible and make choices such as what to eat and how to spend their day. People told us staff asked for their consent before undertaking any care interventions. People and their relatives knew how to raise a concern and informally gave their views about the service.