Archived: Serenity House

Updated 1 May 2018

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

The inspection took place on the 23 March 2018 and was announced. The provider was given 24 hours’ notice because the location was a small care home for younger adults who were often out during the day; we needed to be sure that someone would be in. The inspection team consisted of one inspector.

Before this inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). We used information the provider sent us in the Provider Information Return. This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give us some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We also checked other information we held about the home including previous inspection reports and notifications. A notification is information about important events which the service is required to send us by law.

We spoke with two people who used the service. We also spoke with the provider who was also the manager, assistant manager, and two care staff. We looked at a range of records which included the care records for two people, medicines records and recruitment records for four care staff. We looked at other records in relation to the management of the service, such as health and safety, minutes of staff meetings and quality assurance records.

Following the inspection we also received feedback from two external healthcare professionals.

We last inspected the home in September 2015 where no concerns were found. The home was rated good in all domains.

Updated 1 May 2018

We inspected Serenity House on the 23 March 2018. In order to ensure the people we needed to speak with were available we gave 24 hours’ notice of our intention to undertake the inspection. Serenity House provides accommodation and support for a maximum of three adults who may have complex needs including learning disabilities, mental health and /or substance misuse issues. At the time of our inspection there were two people living at the home. The provider of the service was also the manager.

Serenity House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Serenity House can accommodate up to three people in one adapted building. At the time of our inspection two people were living at the home. The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

People felt safe staying at Serenity House and risks to people were minimized through risk assessments. There were plans in place for foreseeable emergencies.

Relevant recruitment checks were conducted before staff started working at Serenity House to make sure they were of good character and had the necessary skills. Staff had received training in safeguarding adults and knew how to identify, prevent and report abuse. There were enough staff to keep people safe.

People were supported to take their medicines safely when required from suitably trained staff. Medication administration records (MAR) confirmed people had received their medicines as prescribed.

People received varied meals including a choice of fresh food and drinks. Staff were aware of people’s likes and dislikes and went out of their way to provide people with what they wanted.

New staff completed an induction designed to ensure they understood their new role before being permitted to work unsupervised. Staff received regular support and one to one sessions or supervision to discuss areas of development.

Staff were knowledgeable about the complex needs of the people using the service. They completed a wide range of training and felt it supported them in their job role.

People were cared for with kindness and compassion. Care plans provided comprehensive information about how people wished to receive care and support. This helped ensure people received personalised care in a way that met their individual needs. People were involved in their care plans and reviews.

People were supported and encouraged to make choices and had access to a range of activities. Staff knew what was important to people and encouraged them to be as independent as possible. Staff sought consent from people before providing care or support.

A complaints procedure was in place. There were appropriate management arrangements in place. Staff felt supported by the provider and assistant manager and staff meetings took place. Regular audits of the service were carried out to assess and monitor the quality of the service.