21 July 2015
During a routine inspection
At the time of our inspection Squirrels did not have a registered manager. However the manager was in the process of applying for their registration with CQC. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Squirrels is a service for up to nine young people who may have autistic spectrum disorders, severe learning disabilities, and associated challenging behaviours. At the time of our inspection nine people were using the service.
Senior staff did not display good knowledge of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
Staff understood the needs of people and care was provided with kindness and compassion. Relatives and health care professionals told us they were happy with the care and described the service as good.
People were supported to take part in activities they had chosen. Records showed people’s hobbies and interests were documented and staff accurately described people’s preferred routines.
Staff were appropriately trained and skilled to deliver safe care. They all received a thorough induction before they started work and fully understood their responsibilities to report any concerns of possible abuse.
Staff received training in mental health, learning disabilities, understanding autism and to care for people who display behaviours that may challenge others.
The provider had appropriate systems in place to recruit staff and to monitor their performance.
The provider had employed skilled staff and took steps to make sure care was based on local and national best practice. Information regarding diagnosed conditions was documented in people’s care plans and risks to health and wellbeing were discussed daily during staff meetings. Staff consistently told us they communicated risks associated with people health and behaviours frequently.
The manager assessed and monitored the quality of care provided involving people, relatives and professionals. Each person and every relative told us they were regularly asked for feedback and were encouraged to voice their opinions about the quality of care provided. Records showed care plans had been reviewed regularly and people’s support was personalised and tailored to their individual needs.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. These safeguards protect the rights of people using services by ensuring that if there are any restrictions to their freedom and liberty, these have been authorised by the local authority as being required to protect the person from harm. We observed people’s freedoms were not unlawfully restricted and staff were knowledgeable about when a DoLS application should be made.
Referrals to health care professionals were made quickly when people became unwell. Each health care professional told us the staff were responsive to people’s changing health needs.
Staff spoke with people in a friendly and respectful manner. The service was personalised and relatives told us the culture of the home was supportive, understanding and active.
Care plans were reviewed regularly and people’s support was personalised and tailored to their individual needs.
Management responded to complaints in a timely manner.