Background to this inspection
Updated
28 June 2019
The inspection: We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team: One inspector carried out this inspection.
Service and service type: The service is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at on 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.
Notice of inspection: The inspection was unannounced.
What we did: Before the inspection we reviewed information available to us about this service. This included details about incidents the provider must notify us about, such as abuse; and we sought feedback from the local authority. The provider sent us a provider information return prior to the inspection. 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 took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
During the inspection we spoke with the registered manager, two team leaders and one support worker. We spoke with four people and three relatives.
We looked at two people’s care records in full and two care records in part. This included medication administration records and a selection of documentation about the management and running of the service. This included recruitment information for two members of staff, staff training records, policies and procedures, complaints and staff rotas.
Updated
28 June 2019
About the service: The service is a care home for up to 14 people some of whom have a learning disability and/or autism. When we inspected 14 people lived at the service and two additional people were receiving support in the community. The size of service meets the best practice model of support for people with a learning disability and/or autism and was designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance.
People’s experience of using this service: We received very positive views from people about the support provided to them. People said they felt safe and staff were kind and respectful. People were supported with their communication needs. Staff demonstrated effective skills in British sign language. People told us they felt they were able to communicate their needs to staff.
One event had not been notified to CQC in a timely manner. This is being looked at outside of the inspection process. The registered manager had not ensured all staff had an appraisal a recorded competency check or that 'when required' medications had a protocol for administration in place. Action was taken during the inspection to address these gaps.
People received their medicines safely and on time and their health was well managed. Staff had positive links with health care professionals which promoted people’s wellbeing.
Care and support was tailored to each person's needs and preferences. People and their relatives were fully involved in developing and updating their planned care. People had been supported to develop and maintain positive relationships with friends and family.
Recruitment checks were carried out to ensure staff were suitable to work in the service. Staff had received appropriate training and support to enable them to carry out their role. They worked with people to overcome challenges and promote their independence. Staff encouraged positive risk taking so people could experience new things and develop. This had led to people feeling fulfilled and living an active life.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People and staff told us the registered manager and senior team were approachable and listened to them when they had any concerns. All feedback was used to make continuous improvements to the service.
Rating at last inspection: Good (Published 13 March 2017)
Why we inspected: This inspection was a scheduled inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk