Background to this inspection
Updated
5 December 2019
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
The inspection was completed by one inspector.
Service and service type
13, Longmeadow Road is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as 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 registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was announced because this is a small service and we wanted to be assured staff would be present to meet with us.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections.
During the inspection
We spoke with one person who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with two members of staff including the registered manager, and care workers.
We reviewed a range of records. This included one person’s care records and medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
Updated
5 December 2019
About the service
13, Longmeadow Road is a residential care home providing personal care to one person with a learning disability and/ or Autistic spectrum needs. The service is provided in one adapted building.
The service operated in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
The service was a domestic style property. There were deliberately no identifying signs, intercom, cameras, industrial bins or anything else outside to indicate it was a care home. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were care staff when coming and going with people.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
We had concerns about the provider not ensuring some health and safety precautions were being taken. For example in respect of fire precautions in place and testing of portable electrical appliances. There also were not any control measures in place to prevent the risk of legionella. However once issues about legionella and portable electrical appliances were highlighted, the registered persons agreed to get these checks done. A visit from the fire officer was arranged and has made recommendations. Otherwise appropriate risk assessment procedures were in place so any risks to people, staff or visitors were minimised.
The service had some systems to monitor service delivery and bring about improvement when necessary. However we had some concerns about health and safety precautions in place, and before our visit the provider had not taken suitable action to minimise these risks.
The service had suitable safeguarding systems in place, and staff had received training about recognising abuse.
Staff were recruited appropriately. Staffing levels were satisfactory, and people received timely support from staff when this was required.
The medicines system was well organised and staff received suitable training. People received their medicines on time.
The building was clean, and there were appropriate procedures to ensure any infection control risks were minimised.
The service had suitable assessment and care planning systems to assist in ensuring people received effective and responsive care.
Staff received induction, training and supervision to assist them to carry out their work.
People received enough to eat and drink. People were involved in food shopping and cooking for the household.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People received support from external health professionals and were encouraged to live healthier lives.
People said they received support from staff which was caring and respectful. Care promoted people’s dignity and independence. People were involved in decisions about their care.
People had the opportunity to participate in activities and to spend time with the wider community.
People felt confident raising any concerns or complaints. Records showed these had been responded to appropriately.
The service was managed effectively. People and staff had confidence in the registered manager.
The manager was able to demonstrate the service learned from mistakes to minimise them happening again.
The team worked well together and had the shared goal of providing a good service to people who lived at the home.
The service worked well with external professionals, and other organisations to provide good quality care.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 2 June 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.