Background to this inspection
Updated
2 December 2021
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. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was undertaken by one inspector.
Service and service type
Caterpillar House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and 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 and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
The registered manager and director were at the service during the inspection.
Notice of inspection
Short notice of this inspection was given as we wanted to make sure the people were at home for us to meet them.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since it was registered with us. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who had worked with the service. The provider completed a provider information return. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We met the people who used the service before they went out however, one person was away on a short break and we did not have the opportunity to meet them. We received feedback from four family members and two external health care professionals. We also spoke with nine members of staff including the Director, registered manager, deputy manager, day and night team leaders and support workers.
We reviewed a range of records. This included the people’s care records and risk assessment. We looked at three staff files to check safe recruitment was followed. We also reviewed a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures, training and quality audits.
Updated
2 December 2021
About the service
Caterpillar House is a residential care home providing personal care for up to three people with a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of inspection three people lived at the home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. The outcomes for the people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. The support focused on people having as many opportunities as possible to gain new skills and become more independent.
People were kept safe by staff who knew how to report concerns, manage risks and identify triggers for behaviours that may challenge, for people they were supporting. Staff knew how to raise safeguarding concerns. There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s needs. We saw that medicines were managed in a safe way.
People was supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff had received training to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to support people safely. Staff told us they also received regular, supportive supervisions. People’s dietary needs were being met, and they had access to healthcare services where needed.
People was supported by staff in a kind and caring way.
People were supported and encouraged to become more independent, where possible. Staff knew the people well and care records detailed people’s preferences, likes and dislikes.
People had access to social activities that met their interests and needs. A complaints procedure was available for people to access if they had a need.
People received personalised care and support to meet their needs and wishes. People using the service, relatives and staff were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the service. Audits took place to ensure the quality of the service was maintained.
Why we inspected
The service was registered with us on 23 October 2019 this was the first inspection.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.