Background to this inspection
Updated
2 November 2019
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
This inspection was completed by one inspector.
Service and service type
Orchard Court is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as 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 had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are 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 and observed the care of ten people who used the service. We spoke with two relatives, six members of care staff, the chef, the deputy manager, the registered manager and a representative of the provider.
We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
The registered manager provided additional evidence which showed the action that had been taken following the inspection.
Updated
2 November 2019
About the service
Orchard Court is a residential care home providing personal care to adults with learning disabilities or autism. The home can support up to 20 people and at the time of inspection, the home was full. The home has three separate wings, each of which has separate adapted facilities.
The service was a large home, bigger than most domestic style properties. It was registered for the support of up to 20 people. This is larger than current best practice guidance for learning disability services. However. the size of the service having a negative impact on people was mitigated by the building design fitting into the residential area. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were care staff when coming and going with people.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Improvements were required to ensure that people received good communication which supported person centred care. We saw staff carried out care tasks without always discussing this with the person first.
People received safe care, and staff understood safeguarding procedures and how to raise concerns.
Risk assessments were in place to manage risks within people’s lives, and staff we spoke with felt safe supporting people with a wide range of needs.
Staff recruitment procedures ensured that appropriate pre-employment checks were carried out.
Medicines were stored and administered safely, and records showed that they were administered correctly.
Staffing support matched the level of assessed needs within the service during our inspection, and staff were trained to support people effectively.
People were supported to eat meals they enjoyed.
Healthcare needs were met, and people had access to health professionals as required. Care plans outlined any support people required to manage their healthcare needs.
People's consent was gained before any care was provided, and they were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff treated people with kindness, dignity and respect and spent time getting to know them. People were supported in the least restrictive way possible.
Care plans reflected peoples’ likes, dislikes and preferences. An activities programme was in place, and people were supported to pursue activities they enjoyed with staff support.
A complaints system was in place and used effectively.
The registered manager was keen to ensure people received good care and support and listened to feedback when provided.
Comprehensive investigations took place into accidents, incidents and any events that could be learnt from. Learning was shared with the team and improvements were made when required.
The service applied the majority of 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. Further improvements would include ensuring people are always given choices over all aspects of their care, including improved communication.
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 Inadequate (published 25 May 2018). Since this rating was awarded the previous registered provider cancelled their registration and a new registered provider, Orchard Court Leicester Limited, now runs this service. This was the first inspection since the new provider had taken over on 01/08/2018.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the date of registration.
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.