We carried out a review of the data available to us about 43 Florence Avenue on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about 43 Florence Avenue, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Systems in place ensured only those who could demonstrated their vaccination status, retuned a negative lateral flow test and had their temperature checked had access to the service. A designated area for visitors had been identified to minimise the spread of infection.
PPE stations were available in high traffic areas and the provider ensured there was an adequate stock of PPE. Staff had received training to ensure PPE was worn correctly and had designated areas to don and doff PPE safely.
Cleaning schedules were followed with extra attention for high touch point areas.
There were systems in place to ensure people who tested positive for COVID-19, were supported to minimise contact with others.
The service had policies and procedures to manage any risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The registered manager knew where to get advice regarding an outbreak and what their role and responsibilities were.
43 Florence Avenue is a residential care home providing personal care to eight younger adults with an autistic spectrum disorder and learning disabilities. The service can support up to eight people, in one adapted building in the London Borough of Merton.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People continued to be protected against the risk of harm and abuse as staff received on-going safeguarding training and knew how to identify, report and escalate suspected abuse. Risk management plans were robust and gave clear guidance to staff to mitigate risks. Medicines were managed in line with good practice. There were adequate numbers of staff to keep people safe. Pre-employment checks were carried out to ensure the suitability of staff. Accidents and incidents were managed in such a way that lessons were learned.
People continued to receive support from staff that underwent training to enhance their skills and knowledge. Records confirmed staff reflected on their working practise through supervisions and received comprehensive inductions upon commencement of their employment. People were supported to access food and drink that met their dietary needs and preferences and people’s health and well-being was regularly monitored. Where people wished, they were supported to acknowledge their faith and cultural needs.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
The service placed an emphasis on supporting and encouraging people to remain independent where safe to do so. People had their privacy respected and were treated equally. Staff were compassionate towards the people they supported and treated them with respect. People continued to be supported to make decisions about the care they received and had their decisions respected.
Care plans were person-centred and gave staff guidance on how to meet people’s needs in line with their wishes. People were aware of how to raise a concern or complaint. People’s communication needs were documented. People continued to be supported to access activities both in-house and in the local community. The provider had referenced people’s end of life wishes.
People and staff spoke positively about the management of the service. There was an open and inclusive atmosphere where people were free to be themselves and were supported to reach their potential. The registered manager carried out audits to drive improvements. People’s views were sought and the registered manager worked in partnership with stakeholders.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 5 September 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for 43 Florence Avenue on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
43 Florence Avenue provides accommodation and personal support for up to eight adults. The property includes a self-contained bungalow which can accommodate one person. There are seven other single rooms within the main house. There were seven people using the service at the time of our inspection.
There was a registered manager in post who had stayed on following the change of ownership from the previous provider. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and a consistent team of staff provided continuity of care to the people living at 43 Florence Avenue. Individual care and support needs were assessed, documented and reviewed at regular intervals.
Staff had received training around safeguarding vulnerable people and knew what action to take if they had or received a concern. They were confident that any concerns raised would be taken seriously by the managers and acted upon.
The service understood and complied with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Staff understood the importance of gaining people’s consent before assisting them.
There was a system in place for dealing with people’s concerns and complaints. The registered manager understood their role and responsibilities and staff felt able to approach them with any issues or concerns.
There were systems in place to help ensure the safety and quality of the service provided. Staff spoke positively about the new provider and the improvements that had taken place since the change of ownership.