Archived: Blake Court

Blake Court provides accommodation and care for up to four people with physical disabilities. The accommodation is made up of four self-contained flats which are owned by Croydon Churches Housing Association, but are managed and staffed by Scope. There were four people using the service at the time of this inspection. The reader should note that we also refer to people who use the service as 'customers' within parts of this report.

There was a registered manager who had worked in the service since November 2013. 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.

People told us they felt safe and were given information about how to report any concerns. Staff knew how to recognise and respond to abuse correctly and had received safeguarding training. People were encouraged to take positive risks and live their lives to the fullest. They were supported to overcome challenges and negative attitudes. People’s needs were assessed and reviewed regularly to ensure people were kept safe.

The recruitment and selection process ensured staff had the right skills and experience to support the people who used the service. People received effective care and support because there were enough staff who were trained to meet their needs. Staff understood their roles, responsibilities and were supported to maintain and develop their knowledge and skills through ongoing supervision and training.

People living at Blake Court all had capacity to make decisions about their care. Their rights were protected because the registered manager and staff understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. This is legislation that protects people who are not able to consent to their care and support, and ensures people are not unlawfully restricted of their freedom or liberty.

People were at the forefront of the service and were cared for as individuals and encouraged to develop and maintain their independence. People were active members of their local community and led busy and fulfilling lives. Staff supported individuals to maintain their hobbies and interests. The registered manager and staff were constantly looking into new ideas and opportunities for people. Individuals had enjoyed new experiences, gained new skills and increased their independence.

People made decisions about their care and had personalised support plans that they had created. The care plan records included important information on how each person liked to live their life. Staff knew people well and were able to explain what mattered most to individuals. People were involved in reviewing and providing feedback on the care and support they received. The service was responsive to their changing needs or circumstances because people’s needs were consistently monitored and reviewed.

People were supported to keep healthy and their nutritional needs and preferences were met. Any changes to their health or wellbeing or accidents and incidents were responded to quickly. Referrals were made to other professionals to help keep them safe and well. There was ongoing monitoring and reassessment of risks which ensured that staff took actions to protect people. Medicines were managed appropriately and people had their medicines at the times they needed them.

Staff were aware of the values of the service and the care they provided was centred on each individual. Our discussions with staff showed they applied these values in everyday practice. People’s independence was recognised and encouraged; they led their chosen lifestyle and had the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. Staff showed understanding; patience and people were treated with respect and dignity.

Blake Court was safely maintained and considered the needs of people with physical and sensory disabilities. People were provided with the equipment they needed to promote their independence and meet their assessed needs. Individual flats were furnished to comfortable standards and homely. The standards of décor and personalisation by people who used the service supported this.

People told us they found the staff and management approachable and could speak to them if they were concerned about anything. The registered manager and staff were committed to make sure people living at Blake Court were at the centre of its services. People and those important to them were closely involved in developing the service. People were frequently consulted about the care and support they received. Where people made suggestions or raised issues, they were listened to and resulted in change. Comprehensive quality assurance audits were used to monitor the quality of the service and plan improvements. There were systems in place to ensure that people received their care and support in line with best practice.

Staff experienced effective leadership and direction from the registered manager who in turn had full support and guidance from the provider. The staff were motivated and passionate about the quality of care provided and followed a person centred approach to supporting and empowering people. The registered manager led by example and there were innovative systems in place to develop staff and promote reflective practice.

During our inspection we observed how members of staff took account of what people expressed in relation to the way their care and support was provided. We saw members of staff interacting with people who use the service in a kind and courteous way ensuring that it was at a relaxed pace and spoken in a positive manner. We also witnessed staff knocking on people's flat doors seeking permission before they entered.

People had consented to their care and treatment. Where people did not have the capacity to consent, decisions would be made in their best interest and with people's representatives fully involved. People we spoke with said they had choice and control over the support they received. We observed they were involved in making decisions about their daily lives.

People were made aware of the services complaints system. This was provided in a format that met their needs. People we spoke with were aware of Blake Courts complaints policy and procedure and said they knew they could speak with the manager or with a member of staff if they were unhappy or had any concerns.

We saw staff treated people who use the service with respect and dignity. We also saw people who used the service received continuous care and support from suitably trained and experienced staff that were clearly familiar with people's unique needs, strengths, preferences and daily routines.

However, although people using the service told us they were happy and we saw that they were very well supported; we were aware that the service had not had a registered manager in post for over a year.