Our inspection team was made up of one inspector. Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service and the staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at. If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.Is the service safe?
Care was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. We saw care plans that reflected issues identified in the initial needs and risk assessments. These were sufficiently detailed to allow care staff to deliver safe and responsive care.
The provider was able to demonstrate that improvements had been made to the recruitment process and the necessary checks were undertaken prior to a new staff member starting work with vulnerable people.
Is the service effective?
People told us that they were happy with the care they received and felt their needs had been met. It was clear from what we saw and from speaking with staff that they understood people's care and support needs and that they knew them well. One person who used the service told us, "We are a good team here."
Is the service caring?
People were supported by kind, committed and attentive staff. One person said, "Staff will always listen to me."
Is the service responsive?
People's needs were reviewed on a regular basis. Records confirmed people's preferences, interests and diverse needs had been recorded and care had been provided in accordance with people's wishes. We observed people who used the service undertaking various activities and going out in the local community.
Is the service well-led?
Staff had a good understanding of providing personalised individual care and the need to promote independence in the supported living environment. People who used the service were very happy with the care they received. One staff member told us they loved working at April Lodge.
Quality assurance processes lacked rigour and consistency. Not all of the records were readily available during the inspection and part of the care planning process recorded in the records was not understood by the staff. Therefore, the registered manager was not protecting the people who used the service and others against the risks of inappropriate or unsafe care. We have asked the provider how they plan to improve in relation to this.