Abi House

Updated 24 April 2025

Abi house is a 'care home' that provides care and support to people with a learning disability and autistic people. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. We carried out an onsite assessment which included a site visit on 1 May 2025 and off-site information gathering. Activity started on 1 May 2025 and ended on 13 May 2025. The assessment was prompted in part due to concerns received about maintaining family contact. A decision was made for us to visit and examine those risks. We found no evidence during this assessment that people were at risk of harm from this concern.

We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ (RS,RC,RC) guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. We found people were being supported in line with this guidance.

Managers and staff provided a safe and well organised service, which met people’s needs. Staff were trained, competent and demonstrated knowledge and kindness.

The provider and manager had clear insight into the practices and needs of the staff and people because they had effective systems to audit the service.

There were systems in place to assess people’s needs and wishes which ensured support was tailored to each person individually. Communication tools for some people could be further explored for example wider use of Makaton (simple sign language) and Objects of reference (an approach where a person is shown an object such as car keys which would help them understand going in a car.)

Updated 24 April 2025

People and relatives told us they felt safe and enjoyed their lives. Not everyone could tell us directly of their experience of living in Abi House. Those that could, told us they liked the staff and were able to say what they wanted. A person told us they felt safe to be supported by staff. Families were an active part of people’s lives and visited Abi house often. One relative said, “I was poorly for a while, but another mother contacted me, and we said this is the only home that when I haven’t seen [loved one’s name] and we don’t need to worry what’s happening or how she is as I feel confident that they would tell me if anything was wrong.”

Our observations told us that staff supported people in a kind, and respectful manner. People were relaxed and content to be with the staff. One person told us, “We have a good laugh and staff help us.”