31 October 2018
During a routine inspection
Marston Avenue is owned by an individual provider who also manages the service. It therefore does not require a registered manager. 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.
Marston Avenue is a self-contained one bedded home offering a bespoke residential respite service. The service is connected to the provider’s home. The service specialises in caring for young and older adults who may have learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder. People who use the service can choose how long they wish to stay at the home. This can vary from a few days to a few weeks depending on their specific needs. Most people that have used the service have had their stay funded by their local authority.
We inspected Marston Avenue on 31 October 2018. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the location provides a bespoke respite care service and the provider is sometimes out of the office supporting people who use the service. We needed to be sure that they would be available to speak with us on the day of our inspection.
At our previous inspection in April 2016 we rated the service Good overall. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of Good. There was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated any serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
People continued to be cared for in a safe manner at Marston Avenue. People were supported to remain safe at the service. Appropriate safeguarding procedures were in place and risks to people were regularly assessed and reviewed. Staff were suitably recruited and met the needs of the people using the service.
Staff were trained to carry out their roles effectively and worked with partnership organisations to meet people’s needs. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.
Staff were caring and compassionate, whilst treating people with dignity and respect. People were supported to be involved in decision making in relation to their care.
People received care that was personalised to meet their needs and were supported to partake in activities and maintain social relationships.
Staff had received training in the MCA (Mental Capacity Act) and understood the importance of gaining people’s consent before assisting them.
The service completed a detailed personalised support plan for each person with information provided in accessible formats. They kept people’s needs under review and made changes as required.
People using the service felt able to raise any concerns or complaints. There was a procedure in place for people to follow if they wanted to raise any issues. Staff also said they felt comfortable in raising any concerns should they have any.
The service was well led with a clear vision to drive the service forward and make improvements to the quality of care. Staff and people who used the service found the management team to be approachable.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.