Homewards Limited - 20 Leonard Road

Updated 25 November 2020

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to follow up on specific concerns which we had received about the service. The inspection was prompted due to concerns received about risk management, staffing, safeguarding and reporting of accidents and incidents.

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Inspection team

Two inspectors visited the service and were supported by another inspector to analyse the evidence.

Service and service type

Homewards Limited – 20 Leonard Road is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager who was in the process of becoming registered with CQC. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided. Following the inspection we received confirmation the manager had completed their CQC registration.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was announced. We gave the service 20 hours’ notice. This was because we needed to carry out a risk assessment in relation to the coronavirus pandemic to ensure the safety of the inspectors, people using the service and staff.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed the information we had received about the service. This included details of its registration, previous inspection reports and any notifications of significant incidents the provider had sent us. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who worked with the service. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with the registered manager and the nominated individual. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.

We reviewed a range of records. This included one person’s care records in relation to risk assessments and behaviour management. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment. We also looked at incident and accident records and policies and procedures.

After the inspection

We spoke with one relative and two care staff as part of the inspection. The manager sent us documentation we requested including rotas..

Updated 25 November 2020

Homewards Limited - 20 Leonard Road is a care home providing personal care and support for people with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder. The home is registered for three people. At the time of the inspection they were providing personal care and support to one person with learning disabilities and autism with complex needs. The home is located in the borough of Waltham Forest and is set in a residential property with two floors. The home is situated close to shops and amenities.

At our last inspection the service was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People received personalised care from staff who understood their needs. We observed positive interaction between staff and the person using the service and staff respected the person’s choices and preferences. Staff understood the importance of maintaining the person’s privacy and treating them with dignity and respect.

Safe recruitment procedures were being followed to ensure people were supported by staff who were suitably vetted before starting work. Staff received regular support and supervision and relevant training to carry out their jobs effectively.

People were safe from the risk of abuse because staff knew the signs to look for and what action to take should they suspect any abuse, including reporting any concerns to the relevant authorities.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

There were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Staff felt supported in their role and received training relevant to their job.

The service operated within the legal framework of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

People’s nutritional needs were met and staff knew their likes and dislikes and preferences for care. People’s care plans were person-centred and included information on their life stories and individual needs and preferences.

People’s cultural, religious and spiritual needs were acknowledged and supported when required. The provider updated staff on people’s changing needs and recorded them in their care plans. Staff were responsive to those needs.

The provider maintained effective systems and processes, and carried out regular monitoring checks and audits to identify gaps and areas of improvement to ensure the quality and safety of the service delivery.

Risk assessments identified risks and how these should be mitigated. Medicines were managed safely. We made a recommendation regarding the management of controlled drugs.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.