Archived: Andelain

Updated 9 December 2014

The inspection was carried out by one inspector. We visited the service on 4 August 2014. The inspection was announced.

We reviewed the Provider Information Record (PIR) and previous inspection reports before the inspection. The PIR was information given to us by the provider and contained some key information about the service. This enabled us to ensure we were addressing potential areas of concern.  We also reviewed the information we held about the service and notifications we had received.  A notification is information about important events which the service is required to send us by law. At our last inspection in January 2014 we did not identify any concerns.

During the inspection we spoke with all four people.  They were all able to express themselves through varying methods of communication. We spoke with a relative, the registered provider and one member of staff, who had newly been appointed. We also contacted one speech and language therapist (SALT) and a social care professional who specialised in behaviour management. Both had supported people who used the service. We also spoke with a business support and quality officer who worked for the Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust (TSDHCT) to discuss specific issues around staffing.

We observed people being supported in the home and looked at two records which related to people’s individual care needs. We reviewed one staff file and looked at the policies and procedures associated with the running of the service.

This report was written during the testing phase of our new approach to regulating adult social care services. After this testing phase, inspection of consent to care and treatment, restraint, and practice under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) was moved from the key question ‘Is the service safe?’ to ‘Is the service effective?

The ratings for this location were awarded in October 2014. They can be directly compared with any other service we have rated since then, including in relation to consent, restraint, and the MCA under the ‘Effective’ section. Our written findings in relation to these topics, however, can be read in the ‘Is the service safe’ sections of this report.

Updated 9 December 2014

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and to pilot a new inspection process being introduced by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which looks at the overall quality of the service.

Andelain provides accommodation and personal care for up to seven people with learning disabilities. On the day of the inspection, four people were living at the home.  A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider.

People, their relatives and health care professionals all spoke highly about the care and support Andelain provided, one person said; “I love living here, I’m so happy.” A relative told us; “I can’t speak highly enough of the place.” A senior community officer commented; “They provide a friendly, genuine approach to care.”

People appeared relaxed on the day of our inspection, there was a happy and friendly atmosphere. People had the freedom to move around as they chose. Staff assisted people as they needed but promoted and encouraged independence.

Care records were of a good standard and contained detailed information about how people wished to be supported. People’s risks were well managed, monitored and regularly reviewed to help keep people safe. People were supported to have choice and control over their lives. People were able to take part in a varied range of activities in the home and out in the community. These reflected their interests and hobbies.

Staff displayed a compassionate caring attitude towards people. People’s preferred method of communication was taken into account and respected. Staff had developed strong relationships with people and people were supported to maintain relationships with those who matter to them. Staff were well supported through induction and on-going training, which was provided to improve their skills and continue their professional development.

There were effective quality assurance systems in place that monitored people’s satisfaction with the service. This was used to help make improvements and ensure positive progress was made in the delivery of care and support provided by the home.