Blythson Limited - 33 St. Johns Church Road

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.

People’s experience of using this service:

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support in the following ways; the service accommodated up to three people. There were no signs outside the property to identify it as a care home. People were encouraged to be a part of the local community; attending clubs and music events, visiting local shops and cafes.

People told us they felt safe with staff.

People had good relationships with staff, who were knowledgeable of their physical, emotional and communication needs, as well as likes, dislikes and interests. Staff were responsive to changes in people's health needs, they sought advice from relevant professionals when needed.

People felt included in planning their care. People’s rights and their dignity and privacy were respected.

People were supported to live the lifestyle of their choice. People told us they were listened to by staff, they took part in local community projects and were encouraged to be as independent as possible.

People could involve relatives and others who were important to them when they chose the care they wanted. An advocacy service was used if needed.

People received a person-centred service that met their needs and helped them to achieve their goals and ambitions. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible.

People were fully involved in their care planning and received information in a way they understood. Care plans were consistently reviewed and updated. Care planning informed staff what people could do independently and what staff needed to do to support people.

Staff supported people to maintain a balanced diet and monitored their nutritional health. People had access to GP’s and their health and wellbeing was promoted by prompt referrals and access to medical care if they became unwell.

People were protected from the spread of infection and medicines were stored and managed safely. There were policies and procedures in place for the safe administration of medicines. Staff followed these policies and had been trained to administer medicines safely.

People felt comfortable about raising any complaints with staff and the registered manager.

People were asked for feedback about the service they received.

People found the registered manager approachable and supportive.

The registered manager recruited staff with relevant experience and the right attitude to work with people. New staff were given an induction and on-going training. Staff were deployed in a planned way, with the correct training, skills and experience to meet people’s needs.

The registered manager and provider monitored the service in various ways to ensure they continued to provide a good quality service that maintained people’s safety. The provider visited the service often and knew staff and people using the service well.

The registered manager and staff worked with a clear vision for the service.

More information is in the detailed findings below.

Rating at last inspection: This service was rated, “Good” at the last inspection on 8 December 2015.

Why we inspected: This was a planned comprehensive inspection to check the service remained Good. We found overall that the service continued to meet the characteristics of Good.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor the service through the information we receive. We will carry out another scheduled inspection to make sure the service continues to maintain a Good rating.

People's privacy, dignity and independence were respected. Records showed people received personal care in the way they preferred and that staff supported people to be as independent as possible in their daily activities. One person told us "I do [feel well looked after by staff]".

People liked the staff and we observed that staff were kind towards them. Staff understood people's needs and their preferred individual methods of communication.

People who used the service were protected by the safe use and management of medicines.

Staff received regular supervision and appraisals, which meant people were supported by staff that were clear about their caring role and responsibilities. Essential staff training was updated and kept relevant to the care and treatment that people received.

The provider made regular checks of the service to make sure that people were getting the support they needed and that the service was safe.

People were treated with respect. We observed people making decisions about their day and saw records that showed that people were supported to make decisions about their daily lives, activities they took part in and the things and things important to them. People's choices were respected one person chose to stay in their room and eat their meals there and this was catered for.

A person told us they liked the staff and that they were supporting them with moving house. "Everything is alright" "I am happy about the move" because I will be near to my favourite activities and shops.

Staff understood people's needs and preferences. People's personal abilities and health needs were assessed regularly. Staff supported people to access health care professionals when they were needed.

People were encouraged to be independent. They could choose their own activities and to learn new skills. For example through attending college.

There were enough staff on duty to support people safely and in the way they preferred to be cared for.

The service had systems in place to check on the quality of the service people received and to keep them safe.