Hansel respite service given thumbs-up - and areas to improve upon - following spot check

An Ayrshire care service for adults with a learning disability was placed under the microscope during an unannounced spot check.

Hansel Cabin Respite Service, based in Hansel Village, Symington, was graded ‘very good’ across three quality indicators, ‘good’ across one other and ‘adequate' in another.

It follows an unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate last month with the findings now made public.

Among the key messages there was a “strong consistent team of staff” who had worked at the service for many years and this provided “continuity” to people and they were supported by staff who “knew them well.”

In addition, families were “very positive” about their loved one’s experience of being supported by the service for their short breaks.

And people had “detailed personal plans” which were “person-centred and outcome focused.”

Another plus point related to the “range of activities” on offer to support those staying at the cabin.

However, the care scrutiny body also said the environment “needs to be improved” and “upgraded” with disabled accessible shower and toilet facilities.

Hansel Cabin Respite Service is registered as a care home service providing respite to a maximum of 12 adults with a learning disability. The provider is Hansel Alliance. The aim of the service is to offer breaks tailored to the interests and support needs of individual customers.

The service has its own transport and, whilst accessing respite, people enjoy visits to local places including Ayr, Prestwick and Kilmarnock.

An extract from the Care Inspectorate report said: “We found significant strengths in aspects of the care provided, and how these supported positive outcomes for people.

“During the inspection we were able to see kind, caring and fun interactions between people and the staff that were supporting them. It was clear that staff genuinely cared for the visitors to the Cabin.”

In the quality indicators relating to staff team, planned care and support and supporting people’s wellbeing, the service was graded ‘very good.’

Leadership was ‘good,’ according to the report findings, but setting was graded only ‘adequate.’

The report goes on: “We were pleased to see, since the last inspection, the service had improved the décor and general fabric of the building. We found that carpets and flooring had been replaced throughout. Bedroom furniture had been replaced, as well as the couches in the lounge area.

“The service had one room which had ensuite facilities, the remaining shared a communal bathroom and separate communal shower. In the bathroom there was an assisted bath which provided hydrotherapy and was accessible to people staying in the service.

“However, we found that the communal shower room was not easily accessible to everyone using the service, only people that were able bodied could access this, therefore restricting the choices for others.

"This was raised at previous inspections, and in previous inspection reports as an area of improvement, however, this has not been met.”

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