The Coach House

Updated 17 December 2021

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check on a specific concern we had about people’s risks and the monitoring of them at another location under this provider.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

This inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

The Coach 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.

The service did not have a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that the provider is legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with one relative about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with four members of staff including the area manager, the deputy manager and two care workers. We reviewed one person’s care record in relation to risk assessments and risk management. We also reviewed records and policies and procedures in relation to COVID-19.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 17 December 2021

About the service

The Coach House is a care home providing personal care to one person with a learning disability at the time of the inspection. The service was a small domestic style home. It was registered for the support of up to two people. There were deliberately no identifying signs, intercom, cameras, industrial bins or anything else outside to indicate it was a care home. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were care staff when coming and going with people.

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.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Quality assurance tools in relation to the person's medicines had not always identified where improvements were required. Despite this, the person was supported by trained staff to receive their medicines as prescribed. The provider had not met their legal requirement to notify CQC where required.

The person was supported to maintain a balanced diet and were encouraged to engage in meal choices and preparation. The person accessed healthcare professionals as required. Staff worked closely with professionals to ensure the person received effective support that was based on their preferences.

The person was 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 person was supported by safely recruited staff who knew them well.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that the person can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

The outcomes for the person reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. The person's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

The registered manager reviewed the quality of the service and lessons were learned when things went wrong to ensure risks to the person were reduced. The person and their family felt able to raise concerns with the management team and we saw complaints were responded to in line with the provider's policy.

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 14 December 2015). Since this rating was awarded the registered provider of the service has changed. We have used the previous rating to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

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.