During an assessment under our new approach
Date of assessment: 18 August 2026 to 28 August 2026. We completed this assessment to follow up on concerns received about the service and because we had not assessed the service since the new provider took over the service. We carried out a comprehensive assessment. Larchwood Grove is a residential care home providing accommodation for persons who require personal care. It can provide care for up to 10 people. The service is registered to provide support to older people, younger adults, people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with physical disabilities. At the time of our assessment 10 people were living at the service.
We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.
We identified 4 breaches of regulations relating to risk management including medicines management, person-centred care, need for consent and good governance.
The provider’s audit systems had not always detected issues identified in the assessment. Risks to people were not always identified and risk assessments lacked enough detailed information for staff to know how to keep people safe. The building had been suitably maintained however; improvements were required to window safety and hand washing. Most staff had completed training to meet people’s needs. However, staff had not been provided with detailed guidance and training on epilepsy, despite supporting people living with epilepsy. Safeguarding concerns had not always been reported to the appropriate authorities. Medicines were not managed safely. People were mostly supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. However, some people had full capacity to make specific decisions, and some people lacked capacity regarding specific decisions. Mental capacity assessments were not decision specific.
People’s dignity and privacy were respected. Records were held securely. Staff had been safely recruited. People had their needs assessed before moving to the service. People had choices of food which met their assessed needs. Staff worked with health professionals to ensure people got the care and support they needed. Staff worked together as a team to support people and to ensure people received their care and support in the way they chose. Staff helped people communicate. We observed staff responding to people’s needs in a timely manner. Staff told us they felt well supported by the registered manager. The provider had systems in place to support people and relatives to express their views.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.