19 February 2015
During a routine inspection
We inspected Ellys Road on 19 February 2015 as an unannounced inspection. This was the first time the service had been inspected.
Ellys Road is registered to provide accommodation to a maximum of seven people. The service provides support to people of all ages with learning disabilities. There were five people living at the service when we visited.
A requirement of the provider’s registration is that they have 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. At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager at the service.
People and their relatives told us they felt safe and staff treated them well. Staff understood how to protect people they supported from abuse. The provider had procedures in place to protect people against the risk of abuse and to minimise risks to people’s health and wellbeing.
Medicines were stored and administered safely, and people received their prescribed medicines as intended.
There were sufficient staff to support people safely. Staff had the support and training they required to meet the needs of people who used the service.
Management and staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA), and supported people in line with these principles. People were able to make everyday decisions themselves, which helped them to maintain their independence.
People received healthcare that met their needs and people’s privacy and dignity was respected.
People enjoyed taking part in interests and hobbies that met their individual needs and preferences. People maintained links with friends and family who visited them at the home when invited.
Advocacy services were available for people who wanted to use them. An advocate is a designated person who works as an independent advisor in another’s best interest. Advocacy services could support people in making decisions about their health and care requirements, which could help people, maintain their independence.
People were supported to develop the service they received by providing feedback. The provider acted on the feedback they received to improve services.
The provider completed a number of checks to ensure they provided a good quality service to promote continuous development.