We carried out a review of the data available to us about Ashchurch House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Ashchurch House, you can give feedback on this service.
The accommodation is arranged over two levels. The ground floor is accessible for people with physical disabilities or restricted mobility. At the time of the inspection seven people were living at the service. We inspected the service on 18 and 22 September 2017.
The service had a registered manager. The 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 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run. At the last inspection on 17 December 2014 the service met the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
We have made two recommendations about involving people in decisions regarding diversity and about involving people in choices regarding their diet.
People told us they felt safe using the service and appropriate safeguarding procedures were in place. Risk assessments were completed and management plans put in place to enable people to receive safe care and support. Staff had good understanding about infection control procedures and used protective clothing to prevent the spread of infection. Lessons were learnt when accidents and incidents occurred to help improve service.
There were effective and up-to-date systems in place to maintain the safety of the premises and equipment. We found there were enough staff working at the service and recruitment checks were in place to ensure new staff were suitable to work at the service. Medicines were administered and managed safely.
People’s needs were assessed before they began using the service. People using the service had access to healthcare professionals as required to meet their needs.
Staff received supervision, appraisals and training in line with the provider’s policies and procedures. Staff had a clear understanding of the application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Appropriate applications for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisations had been made.
Personalised support plans were in place for people using the service. Staff knew people they were supporting including their preferences to ensure personalised support was delivered. Staff had a good understanding of how to promote people’s privacy, independence and dignity.
People and their relatives told us the service was caring and we observed staff supporting people in a caring and respectful manner. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity and encouraged independence. People were supported to maintain their nutrition.
People using the service knew how to make a complaint. Meetings took place for staff and people using the service. The service had systems in place to seek the views of people on the running of the service. The provider had quality assurance systems in place to identify areas of improvement. People and staff told us the registered manager was supportive and approachable.
This unannounced inspection took place on 17 December 2014. At the last inspection in December 2013, the registered provider was compliant with all the regulations we assessed.
Ashchurch House is a 10 bed service providing support and accommodation to people with a learning disability. At the time of the inspection nine people were living there. The house is situated in a quiet residential area close to public transport and other services. Special adaptations have been made to the bath and shower rooms to enable people to use these safely. The home is accessible downstairs for people with physical disabilities or restricted mobility. People live in a clean and safe environment that is suitable for their needs.
A registered manager was in post. 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
The staff we spoke with were able to tell us how they ensured that people were protected and kept safe. All staff had received training about safeguarding people. There were sufficient qualified and experienced staff to meet people’s needs.
We found that medicines were managed safely by staff and records confirmed that people received the medicines prescribed by their doctor.
Due to their health conditions and complex needs not all of the people were able to share their views about the service they received. However, during our visit we saw that people were relaxed and enjoyed good relationships with the staff. Staff spent time with people and they told us they enjoyed working at the home and had adequate time to complete their duties.
We observed lunch being served which was relaxed. Staff provided assistance to people in a sensitive manner. The menus were varied and staff were aware of people’s likes, dislikes and special diets.
Records showed that appropriate training was provided and staff were supervised and supported by management. The staff on duty confirmed this. We saw them meeting people’s needs in a competent manner and they respected their privacy and dignity.
Health care professionals were contacted when necessary so that people’s health needs were addressed in order to keep them well. Activities and outings were provided according to people’s preferences.
The registered provider had a complaints procedure in place. People and their relatives were aware of this and felt confident to use it if necessary.
We examined three care records and found people’s individual needs had been assessed and care plans were in place to give staff information about how they should meet these needs.
We found that the home was well-maintained. Records we looked at showed that the required health and safety checks were carried out.
The registered manager carried out audits and checks to help ensure standards were met and maintained. Relatives and people’s views were sought to gain their opinion of the service and the comments were positive. Action plans had been put in place so any suggestions could be addressed and service improvement could be made.
We found that people who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had policies and procedures in place and staff knew about them. The premises were safe and accessible to people who used the service.
People's needs were met by staff who were appropriately recruited, qualified, experienced and supported to carry out their role. A member of staff told us " we get all the training to do our job, the staff are nice and it is a really good team. I can talk to the manager whenever I want." The manager and the provider monitored the quality of the service via visits and audits. People who used the service and their relatives were asked for their opinions about the service provided. Action was taken to address any issues that were identified.
We found that people's nutritional needs were being met. A relative said "they do monitor her, they have a sort of monitoring chart. They check her weight and drinking." We observed that people were supported to eat and drink sufficient amounts. We found that medications were stored securely, and administered in a safe manner. Staff had access to regular on-going training, although some staff did not have supervision as regularly as the manager told us they were supposed to have it.