Background to this inspection
Updated
2 September 2020
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.
This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.
This inspection took place on 19 August 2020 and was announced. The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.
Updated
2 September 2020
About the service:
Liberty House is a residential care home that was providing personal care to six people who had a learning disability and/or autism at the time of the inspection.
People’s experience of using this service:
Staff understood their responsibilities to protect people from abuse and discrimination. They knew to report any concerns and ensure action was taken. The registered manager worked with the local authority safeguarding adults team to protect people.
Staff were supported in their roles and received an effective level of training. They told us they were happy with the level of training and support they received and we observed them supporting people in a competent and caring manner.
People were protected from harm by the provider having effective systems in place to monitor medicine management, staffing, infection control and upkeep of the premises.
Staff promoted people’s dignity and privacy. Staff provided person-centred support by listening to people and engaging them at every opportunity. Staff were caring and understanding towards people. People using the service appeared comfortable in the presence of staff working in the service.
The premises provided suitable accommodation for people with communal areas and bedrooms which were personalised to peoples individual interests.
Support plans were detailed and reviewed with the person and their relatives when possible. Staff worked with and took advice from health care professionals. People’s health care needs were met.
People had a variety of internal activities and external activities, which they enjoyed on a regular basis. These activities were evidenced by the items and photos displayed around the home. displayed on the notice board, were achievements of fund raising by some of the people at Liberty House. They displayed their craft works to the wider community, via the Adults Education Centre and raised £120.00 for Children in Need.
One person showed a distinct interest in sewing and tapestry. As well as being supported with developing a hobby, staff also supported them to enrol on a local Adult Educational class to further their skill. They attend this weekly with support of staff. This person has thrived, and their work has been displayed by the college as an example of the high quality of completed pieces. Another person living in the home, has shown remarkable improvement in their concentration levels and behavioural issues, thanks to the support undertaking activities within gardening.
The registered manager ran a well organised service. Relatives’ views were sought, and opportunities taken to improve the service. Formal supervision meetings were carried out and staff were also supervised informally. They told us they were supported and clear about what was expected of them. Audits and checks were carried out, so any problem could be identified and rectified.
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.
The care service supported people in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidelines. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
Rating at last inspection:
The service was rated as Good at the last inspection. The inspection report for the last inspection was published on 01 November 2016.
Why we inspected:
This was a scheduled inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up:
We will continue to carry out ongoing monitoring and will inspect the service in line with its rating.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk