All inspections: Compass Cottage - Care Quality Commission

We visited Compass Cottage in response to concerns that were reported to the local authority, who shared these concerns with us. There were two people living at the service at the time of our inspection. Both had limited verbal communication skills which meant we were limited in our discussions with them. One person was with us throughout the inspection and we spoke to a relative of one of the two people who use the service.

We found issues with the environment that did not support people's dignity. For instance, people's bedrooms were locked and they had limited access to them. There was no toilet paper in the toilets. We also found issues with the maintenance and suitability of the premises such as loose stair carpet and worn flooring.

People were being cared for according to individual assessed need but we found that people's choices and preferences in relation to their care were not fully incorporated in to this care planning. On the day of our inspection the service was short staffed. We found that records were stored securely.

People living at Compass Cottage had learning disabilities and were unable to express their views on the quality of the service. They told us in a few words that they enjoyed the various activities they were involved in. We observed that people were free and able to make choices regarding how they spent their time. We saw that staff treated people as individuals and communicated with them in a calm and sensitive manner.

Staff told us how they supported the people who used the service as they were able to manage some part of their care. People were involved in various domestic tasks in order to develop their daily living skills. Staff also explained to us how the service adapted to new challenges. One person moved to the home recently and extra support was provided to help them settle in. We saw that the manager and staff worked closely with the person to identify how best to support him and manage his behaviour.

We found that people's care was reviewed regularly and their needs were met. The manager monitored the service to ensure people's well-being and the quality of the service.

We did not visit the service or speak with people who use the service on this occasion. We visited this service in November 2011 and found that people who used this service could not be confident that the service was robustly monitored by the provider to ensure that it was safe and met their needs. The provider subsequently confirmed that they had engaged the services of a consultant to carry out monitoring visits at the service and that this started in May 2012. Therefore we were satisfied that appropriate monitoring systems were in place.

People who use this service were not always able to clearly express themselves but they were able to respond to direct questions. They indicated that they were happy and liked living at Compass Cottage. People told us that they had 'residents' meetings and talked about what they did, what they enjoyed and how they felt. We saw that people spent time in their own rooms or in communal area as they chose. We also saw that they made themselves drinks when they wanted. They were comfortable and relaxed with staff and were treated with respect.

Staff told us: 'They do have residents meetings and people say what they want. They are very active, they go to church, clubs, keep fit, pantomimes, shows and on trips. They are involved in their care plans and know what's in them. They get a lot of say in what they do and are treated properly.' 'They do most things around the house. They make drinks, meals, do their rooms and their washing.'

A healthcare professional told us, 'The manager is very good. If there are any problems she communicates them promptly.'

Archived: Compass Cottage

All Inspections

3 April 2013

During an inspection in response to concerns

30 January 2013

During a routine inspection

During an inspection looking at part of the service

12 November 2011

During a routine inspection