9 March 2015
During a routine inspection
The Old Manse is a residential care home for people with learning disabilities. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for eight people and is located in the London Borough of Bromley. At the time of our inspection seven people were using the service.
This inspection took place on 9 March 2015 and was unannounced. At our previous inspection on 28 January 2014 the service was meeting the regulations inspected.
There was a registered manager in post at the time of our 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 told us they liked living at the Old Manse and said staff were kind and caring towards them. Relatives were positive about the service provided and said they could visit at any time. There was a relaxed, friendly and homely atmosphere when we visited.
There were clear procedures in place to recognise and respond to abuse and staff had been trained in how to follow these. Staffing numbers were sufficient to help make sure people were kept safe.
People received care in line with their wishes and preferences. Each person had an individualised support plan and activity schedule to make sure they received the support they required.
People were supported to have their health needs met. Staff at the Old Manse worked with other healthcare professionals and obtained specialist advice as appropriate to help make sure individual health needs were met. We saw that people’s prescribed medicines were being stored securely and managed safely.
Staff attended regular training which gave them the knowledge and skills to support people effectively. Staff had received training in the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). People were asked for their consent to the care and support they received. Staff were aware where people did not have the capacity to consent to some aspects of their care and acted in their best interests.
People and their relatives said they felt able to speak to the registered manager or other staff to raise any issues or concerns.
The registered manager supported staff to deliver appropriate care and support. There were effective systems to monitor the quality of the service and obtain feedback from people and their representatives.