Background to this inspection
Updated
1 October 2015
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
This inspection took place on 02 September 2015 and was unannounced.
Our inspection team consisted of two inspectors and one expert-by-experience who carried out interviews with people using the service. Our expert by experience had experience of using mental health services including hospital inpatient and outpatient clinics, specialised clinic as well as community based services.
Before the inspection we looked at previous inspection reports and notifications about important events that had taken place at the service, which the provider is required to tell us by law.
We spoke with two people, one support worker and the registered manager. We also contacted health and social care professionals who provided health and social care services to people. These included community nurses, doctors, Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT), local authority care managers and commissioners of services.
We observed people’s care and support in communal areas throughout our visit, to help us to understand people’s experiences. We looked at the provider’s records. These included one person’s care records, care plans, mental health care notes, risk assessments and daily care records. We looked at one staff file, a sample of audits, satisfaction surveys, staff rotas, and policies and procedures. We also looked around the care home and the outside spaces available to people.
At our last inspection on 7 October 2013 we had no concerns and there were no breaches of regulation.
Updated
1 October 2015
We inspected this home on 02 September 2015. This was an unannounced inspection.
Welcome House - 66 Milton Road is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to three people with mental health needs. The people who used the service lived with mental health disorders such as depression, panic disorder, schizophrenia and needed support to understand their particular conditions; identify triggers for relapse; and learn coping strategies. At the time of our inspection, two people who lived in the home were fairly independent. They required minimal support and therefore there was no requirement for 24 hours staffing.
There was a registered manager at the home. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People were protected against the risk of abuse; they felt safe and staff recognised the signs of abuse or neglect and what to look out for. Staff understood their role and responsibilities to report any concerns and were confident in doing so.
The home had risk assessments in place to identify and reduce risks that may be involved when meeting people’s needs. There were risk assessments related to people’s mental health and details of how the risks could be reduced. This enabled the staff to take immediate action to minimise or prevent harm to people.
There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff to meet people’s needs and promote people’s safety. Staff had been provided with relevant training and they attended regular supervision and team meetings. Staff were aware of their roles and responsibilities and the lines of accountability within the home.
The registered manager followed safe recruitment practices to help ensure staff were suitable for their job role. Staff described the management as very open, supportive and approachable. Staff talked positively about their jobs.
Staff had developed positive relationships with the people who used the service. Staff were kind and respectful; we saw that they were aware of how to respect people’s privacy and dignity. People told us that they made their own choices and decisions, which were respected by staff but they found staff provided really helpful advice.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. The registered manager understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty safeguards and the home complied with these requirements.
The systems for the management of medicines were followed by staff and we found that people received their medicines safely. People had good access to health and social care professionals when required.
People were involved in assessment and care planning processes. Their support needs, likes and lifestyle preferences had been carefully considered and were reflected within the care and support plans available.
People were always motivated, encouraged and supported to be actively engaged in activities inside and outside of the home. For example, people went out to their local community at least five days of the week for activities and travel overseas for holidays.
Health action plans were in place and people had their physical and mental health needs regularly monitored. Regular reviews were held and people were supported to attend appointments with various health and social care professionals, to ensure they received treatment and support as required.
Staff meetings took place on a regular basis. Minutes were taken and any actions required were recorded and acted on. People’s feedback was sought and used to improve their care. People knew how to make a complaint. Complaints were managed in accordance with the provider’s complaints policy.
The registered manager and provider regularly assessed and monitored the quality of care to ensure standards were met and maintained. The registered manager understood the requirements of their registration with the commission.