12 January 2016
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on the 16 January 2016 and was unannounced.
Marlborough Road provided accommodation and personal care for up to eight people with a learning disability. Seven people were using the service at the time of the inspection, most of whom had complex needs.
The registered manager supported us throughout the inspection. 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.
People were protected from abuse as staff knew what constituted abuse and who to report it to if they suspected it had taken place.
There were sufficient staff to keep people safe and to support people to follow their hobbies and interests.
People's medicines were managed safely.
Risks to people were minimised to encourage and promote people's independence.
Staff were clear how to support people to maintain their safety when they put themselves at risk.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) is designed to protect people who cannot make decisions for themselves or lack the mental capacity to do so. The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) are part of the MCA. They aim to make sure that people in care homes, hospitals and supported living are looked after in a way that does not inappropriately restrict their freedom. The provider followed the principles of the MCA by ensuring that people consented to their care or were supported by representatives to make decisions.
Staff were supported to fulfil their role effectively. There was a regular programme of applicable training.
People's nutritional needs were met. People were supported to eat and drink sufficient to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
People were supported to access a range of health care services. When people became unwell staff responded and sought the appropriate support.
Staff were observed to be kind and caring and they told us that were well supported by the registered manager.
Care was personalised and met people's individual needs and preferences.
The provider had a complaints procedure and people knew how to use it.
The provider had systems in place to monitor the quality of the service. When improvements were required these were made in a timely manner.