27 October 2015
During a routine inspection
This was an unannounced inspection which took place on 27 October 2015.
Beech Trees provides accommodation and support for a maximum of seven adults with a learning disability and/or a physical disability. At the time of this inspection there were seven people living at the home. People had varied communication needs and abilities. Two people were able to hold conversations, some people were able to express themselves verbally using one or two words; others used body language to communicate their needs. People who lived at the home required differing levels of support from staff based on their individual needs; however, all needed emotional support and help to access the community in which they lived.
During our inspection the registered manager was present. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Medicines were managed safely and staff training in this area included observations of their practice. This was to ensure medicines were given appropriately and with consideration for the person concerned.
People appeared very happy and at ease in the presence of staff. Staff were aware of their responsibilities in relation to protecting people from harm and abuse.
People were supported to take control of their lives in a safe way. Risks were identified and managed that supported this. Systems were in place for continually reviewing incidents and accidents that happened within the home in order that actions were taken to reduce, where possible reoccurrence. Checks on the environment and equipment had been completed to ensure it was safe for people to use.
Staff were available for people when they needed support in the home and in the community. Staff told us that they had enough time to support people in a safe and timely way. Staff recruitment records demonstrated that the provider took the necessary steps to ensure they employed people who were suitable to work at the home. Staff were sufficiently skilled and experienced to care and support people to have a good quality of life. Training was provided during induction and then on an on-going basis.
Beech Trees was meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). These safeguards protect the rights of people by ensuring if there are any restrictions to their freedom and liberty these have been authorised by the local authority as being required to protect the person from harm.
People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. Records included the use of photographs and symbols which supported people's involvement and understanding in the care planning process. Capacity to make decisions had been assumed by staff unless there was a professional assessment to show otherwise. People were supported to access healthcare services and to maintain good health.
People were routinely involved in the review of their care packages and regular house meetings took place that helped people to express their views. The minutes of house meetings had been produced in an easy to read format to aid communication for people. People played an active role in planning their meals and had enough to eat and drink throughout the day. People who were unable to communicate verbally were supported to make choices by using communication boards and objects of reference.
The home had suitable equipment and other adaptations to the premises had been made, which helped to meet people’s needs and promote their independence.
Positive, caring relationships had been developed with people. We observed people smiling and choosing to spend time with staff who always gave people time and attention. Staff knew what people could do for themselves and areas where support was needed. Staff demonstrated that they were dedicated and committed.
People received personalised care that was responsive to their needs. During our inspection we observed that staff supported people promptly. Activities were offered both within and outside of the home which supported people to increase their independent living skills. People were also supported to maintain contact with people who were important to them.
Staff understood the importance of supporting people to raise concerns who could not verbalise their concerns. Pictorial information of what to do in the event of needing to make a complaint was displayed in the home.
People spoke highly of the registered manager. Staff were motivated and told us that management at Beech Trees was good. The registered manager was aware of the attitudes, values and behaviours of staff. She took responsibility for maintaining her own knowledge and shared this with staff at the home.
A range of quality assurance audits were completed by the registered manager and representatives of the provider that helped ensure quality standards were maintained and legislation complied with. Quality assurance processes included obtaining and acting on the views of people in order that their views could be used to drive improvements at the home.