Background to this inspection
Updated
31 January 2020
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection Team
One inspector carried out this inspection on 14 January 2020.
Service and service type
The service, 69 Hoarestone Avenue, 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 provider of the service was registered with the Care Quality Commission. The provider was also the registered manager. This means that they are legally responsible for how the service is run and the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
The inspection was announced. We gave short notice of the inspection because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider would be there to support the inspection. Inspection activity started on 13 January 2020 and ended on 14 January 2020.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since our last inspection. This included details about incidents the provider must notify us about, such as serious injury and abuse. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We sought feedback from the local authority. We used all the information to plan our inspection visit.
During the inspection
We spent time with both people who were able to give us their feedback about the service. We spent time with them in communal areas, observing interactions and support they received from staff. We spoke with the care staff member and registered provider.
We reviewed a range of records. This included a full review of two people’s care plans, risk management plans, medication records and health and safety checks. We also looked at records relating to the management of the home.
Updated
31 January 2020
About the service
The service is a care home and provides personal care and accommodation for up to two people living with a learning disability. The home has two floors, with a communal lounge, dining area and conservatory. At the time of our inspection there were two people living at 69 Hoarestone Avenue.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The two people cared for called the registered provider ‘mum’ because they had both been fostered by her since they were very young children and prior to the registration of the care home. Both people were very relaxed and happy living at the family home with their ‘mum’, who continued to support them to live their lives in a way they wanted.
Both people’s needs were assessed, and each had individual plans of care. People could look at their care plan if they wished to. Both people had enough activities to do both within the home and local community.
The provider and staff member demonstrated a kind, caring and personalised approach toward people and gave support when needed.
Risks had been identified and were well managed by the provider and staff member who knew people very well. Risk management plans provided information to staff to reduce risks of harm or injury to people.
The provider and staff member were trained and updated their skills and knowledge when needed.
People had their prescribed medicines available to them and were supported with these by trained staff. People received their medicines as prescribed.
People had choices about drinks and what they ate for their meals and their nutritional needs were met. The provider understood the importance of promoting healthy eating and of promoting people’s independence whenever possible.
The home was well-maintained and a good level of cleanliness reduced the risk of cross infection.
The provider was taking into consideration the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance for the accommodation of people with learning disabilities. 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 received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.
Staff understood the importance of giving people choices. 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.
The provider lived at the home and was always available to meet people’s needs. One additional staff member was employed and had been recruited in a safe way.
Both people were very happy with the care and support they received. They felt they could tell their ‘mum’ if anything was worrying them. The provider had a complaints policy and information about advocacy services if needed.
There were processes to audit the quality of the service to ensure a safe service was provided.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at the last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 19 July 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the rating of the last inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.