27 June 2016
During a routine inspection
The service comprises of two five-bedroom homes, 'Beige House' and 'Green House', and 'The Flat', a two-bedroom apartment created to promote independent living skills. At the time of our inspection nine people were using the service.
The service had a registered manager 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.
People using the service had complex communication needs and were unable to directly tell us if they felt safe from abuse. General observations made on the day of the inspection and feedback from relatives indicated that people were protected from the risk of abuse. Staff were aware of what constituted abuse and of their responsibilities to report abuse.
Risks to people using the service and others were assessed, and appropriate measures were in place to manage identified risks.
Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s current needs. The staff recruitment procedures ensured that appropriate pre-employment checks were carried out to ensure only suitable staff worked at the service. Staff training and on-going training was provided to ensure staff had the skills, knowledge and support they needed to perform their duties. Staff supervision systems ensured that all staff received support through one to one and team meetings to discuss their learning and development needs and the needs of the service.
People received their medication safely and the systems to receive, store and administer medicines were appropriately maintained.
Staff knew how to protect people who lacked the capacity to make decisions. Policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards were followed appropriately.
People’s nutritional needs had been assessed and they were supported to make choices about their food and drink. Their physical and mental health was closely monitored and appropriate referrals to health professionals were made.
Staff showed care and compassion when supporting people and ensured that privacy and dignity was respected at all times. Advocacy services were available for people to access, should they need them.
People using the service and their representatives were involved in making choices about their care, which was based upon their individual needs and wishes. The care plans reflected people’s current needs and they were regularly reviewed and updated. Staff supported people to follow their choice of leisure, educational and recreational activities and people had regular access to the local and wider community to reduce the risk of social isolation.
Systems were in place to receive and handle complaints and management governance systems were in place to regularly monitor the quality and safety of the service.