Archived: Mildred Avenue

Updated 31 May 2019

The inspection.

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team:

One inspector carried out this inspection over the course of two days.

Service and service type: Mildred Avenue is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.’

Notice of inspection: This inspection was unannounced.

What we did:

Before the inspection we used our planning tool to gather relevant information and reviewed information that we received from the provider on the provider information return (PIR). This is a document that the provider sends us saying how they are meeting the regulations and any plans for improvement. We also reviewed all information received from external sources such as the local authority and reviews of the service.

During the inspection we:

Spoke with the registered manager of the service.

Gathered information from three care files which included all aspects of care and risk.

Spoke with three people who lived at the service

Spoke with three staff employed by the service.

Looked at three staff files including all aspects of recruitment, supervisions, and training records.

Health and safety records.

Records of accidents, incidents and complaints.

Audits and surveys.

Following the inspection, we reviewed further evidence sent to us by the provider.

Updated 31 May 2019

About the service: Mildred Avenue is a care home. Mildred Avenue provides a service for up to six adults with a learning disability. At the time of the inspection there were four people living at the service.

Accommodation is provided in one large detached two storey house and over two floors. People have access to communal areas.

People’s experience of using this service:

Some people who lived at the home were able to communicate verbally. For people who were unable to speak to us, we observed staff supported them with a range of communication aids, which included sign language and interpreting people’s body language with regards to meeting their needs and wishes.

People who lived at the service were safe. Risks in relation to people’s health, safety and welfare had been identified and action taken where appropriate. Staffing levels were appropriate to meet the needs of the people using the service. Medicines were safely managed. There were systems in place to monitor incidents and accidents and learn from these.

Staff were competent and knew the people they supported well. People’s care, health and cultural needs were identified so staff could meet these. People had their nutritional needs met. People were supported to maintain good health. Staff made referrals to health professionals when required. Staff worked within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and ensured people consented to their care.

People received care from staff who were kind and caring. People’s privacy and dignity was protected and promoted. People had developed positive relationships with staff who had a good understanding of their needs and preferences. One relative said, “[name] loves living at Mildred Avenue as it’s like home from home, the best of both worlds.”

We found that care plans had improved since the last inspection was carried out and now gave a comprehensive picture and record of how people would like their needs met. People took part in a range of group and one-to-one activities depending on their preferences. Information was displayed on how to make a complaint and in a pictorial format, that could be easily understood. Relatives also told us they knew how to complain.

At the last inspection the service did not have a registered manager in post. However, at this inspection we found that a manager had been appointed and registered with the Commission in July 2018. People, visitors and staff told us the service was well managed and had an open and friendly culture. Staff said the service had a family atmosphere and they felt well-supported. The registered manager and staff worked in partnership with other agencies to ensure people got the care and support they needed. One staff member said, "I think [manager] is a very competent and professional. They are one of us and make us feel valued and respected for the job we all do.”

Rating at last inspection: Requires Improvement (report published 25 April 2018).

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor all intelligence received about the service to ensure the next inspection is scheduled accordingly.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk.