Stone Barton Short Break

On this page

• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

Responsive – this means we looked for evidence that the provider met people’s needs.

This is the first assessment for this newly registered service. This key question has been rated good.

This meant people’s needs were met through good organisation and delivery.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider made sure people were at the centre of their care and treatment choices and they decided, in partnership with people, how to respond to any relevant changes in people’s needs.

We saw records of personalised activity planners to support person-centred care and ensuring people were able to spend their day how they wanted.

Care planning had strong emphasis on person-centred support and had clear family involvement.

One staff member explained people were supported to make choices about activities, meals and routines, and relatives described people being offered meaningful choices and support to take part in activities they enjoyed.

Relatives told us staff knew people well and adapted support around their routines, interests and communication styles. One relative told us, “The staff are brilliant. They know (Person’s name) likes tickles and deep pressure hugs.”

The provider understood the diverse health and care needs of people and their local communities, so care was joined-up, flexible and supported choice and continuity.

Staff used communication books, handover records and care reviews to share information and maintain continuity between shifts.

Families told us communication was generally good and they were kept informed about changes to care. One relative said, “They are good at letting us know what’s happening.”

The registered manager and staff told us, they are not involved in regular GP appointments as people are staying at Stone Barton short break for a short period of time, however they would contact GPs, district nurses or specialists services if needed.

Transitions were planned, including trial visits and overnight support arrangements, to help people settle safely and be provided continuity and joined-up care.

The provider supplied appropriate, accurate and up-to-date information in formats that were tailored to individual needs.

Staff used a range of communication tools, including pictorial resources, visual aids, and personalised formats, to help people understand their care and make decisions. This supported people who had different communication needs to express choices and preferences. Information about daily routines, activities and support was shared clearly with families through written updates and regular communication. We saw easy-read materials and adapted formats being used in parts of the service, which helped improve accessibility.

One relative told us staff explained things clearly and kept them informed.

The provider made it easy for people to share feedback and ideas, or raise complaints about their care, treatment and support. Staff involved people in decisions about their care and told them what had changed as a result.

The provider had feedback systems, such as complaints processes, questionnaires, reviews and communication. Families told us they felt able to raise concerns and suggestions.

Relatives described having an open relationship with the service, being asked for their views and being involved in care plan reviews.

Staff told us concerns could be raised through management, safeguarding routes and whistleblowing processes. Most feedback about involvement was positive, although one relative remained dissatisfied about how some concerns had been handled.

The provider made sure people could access the care, support and treatment they needed when they needed it.

The service was accessible for people living with physical disabilities and had equipment to support mobility.

Staff worked flexibly to support attendance at community outings, and relatives told us people were generally supported to access healthcare and social activities.

Feedback from families was mostly positive, with one relative saying their family member ‘gets out and does things they enjoy.’ There were some practical limitations, such as reliance on taxis or availability of transport, but these were managed to minimise impact.

Staff and leaders listened to information about people who were most likely to experience inequality in experience or outcomes and generally tailored care and support in response.

Equality, diversity and inclusion were promoted through staff communication and cultural activities, and staff described supporting people in their individuality and communication needs. Personal goals were recorded, monitored and celebrated, and evidence showed people were developing skills and increasing their involvement in day-to-day activities.

One relative told us, “They know how to help (Person’s name) regulate. (Person’s name) made me a knitted tulip for Mother’s Day. Other services wouldn’t bother. They are thoughtful.”

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy was up to date and regularly reviewed.

People were supported to plan for important life changes, so they could have enough time to make informed decisions about their future, including at the end of their life.

Staff worked with people and those close to them to identify and record personal goals, which were monitored and reviewed as part of people’s care. Staff demonstrated an understanding of people’s longer-term needs and supported discussions about future preferences where appropriate.

Relatives told us they were involved in planning and felt informed about changes to care, and one described the transition process as positive and well organised.