Updated 11 April 2025
Date of assessment: 29 April 2025 to 09 May 2025
Autism Care UK (Bedford) also known as Larchwood House is a care home supporting people who may be autistic or living with a learning disability with personal care. The service can support up to 8 people and 7 people were living at the service at the time of our inspection.
At our last inspection the service was in breach of 4 regulations of the Health and Social Care Act (2014) in relation to safe care and treatment, person-centred care, staff being sufficiently trained and competent and good governance. At this inspection the service had improved and is no longer in breach of any regulations. The service has improved from Requires improvement to Good at this inspection.
People were safe being supported by the staff team. Staff were trained and knew how to report safeguarding concerns. Risks to people had been assessed including in relation to medicines. Staff supported people to take positive risks. There were enough trained and competent staff to support people safely. The environment of the service was safe, and staff followed good infection and prevention control (IPC) procedures. People’s needs were assessed when they started using the service and reassessed regularly. Staff supported people to stay healthy and see health professionals if necessary. People were supported in line with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). People were positive about the staff who supported them and described them as kind and caring. People were kept at the centre of their care and were supported to make choices and be independent if they chose to do this. People were supported in line with their preferences and were supported to follow their interests both at the service and in the local community. People’s care plans were clear and detailed, and staff supported people to set and achieve goals that were important to them. The management team had a good oversight of the service and audits were effective in identifying, making and sustaining improvements. There was a positive culture at the service, people were happy with their support and staff enjoyed their job roles.