Background to this inspection
Updated
4 April 2020
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.
Inspection team
This inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
Highfields is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections.
During the inspection
We spoke with five people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with three members of staff including the provider and care staff. We also spoke to one relative of a person living at the home.
We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at one staff file in relation to recruitment and supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, quality assurance, team meeting minutes, residents’ meetings and health and safety documentation.
Updated
4 April 2020
About the service
Highfields is a care home providing personal care for adults of all ages with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of inspection, five people were supported by the service.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People received safe care, and staff understood safeguarding procedures and how to raise concerns. Risk assessments were in place to manage risks within people’s lives, and staff we spoke with felt competent supporting people with a wide range of needs.
Staff recruitment procedures ensured that appropriate pre-employment checks were carried out. Medicines were stored safely, and records showed they were administered correctly.
Staffing levels matched the level of assessed needs within the service and staff were trained to support people effectively.
People were supported to have their nutritional needs met. Healthcare needs were met, and people had access to health professionals as required. Care plans outlined any support people required to manage their healthcare needs.
People's consent was gained before any care was provided. People were 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 treated people with kindness, dignity and respect and spent time getting to know them. Care plans reflected peoples’ likes, dislikes and preferences. People were active members of community and they were supported to pursue holidays and activities they enjoyed with staff support.
A complaints system was in place and used effectively. The provider was keen to ensure people received good care and support and listened to feedback when provided. Investigations took place into accidents, incidents and any events that could be learnt from. Learning was shared with the team and improvements were made when required.
Staff felt supported by the provider and received regular supervisions. The provider was accessible to everyone and was open to suggestion and feedback.
The service applied the underlying 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. Further improvements would include ensuring people are always given choices over all aspects of their care, including improved communication.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 15 September 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
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.