Gate House provides care and accommodation to seven adults with mental health problems. At the time of our inspection there were five people using the service.
This unannounced inspection was carried out on 08 August 2017. The last inspection of the service took place on 22 May 2015 at which time they were rated ‘Good’. At this inspection the rating remained ‘Good’.
There was a registered manager in post. 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 felt safe living at the home. Staff were knowledgeable on the types of abuse and the signs to identify them. They also knew how to report any concerns in order to protect people they supported. Staff told us they were confident that concerns reported would be promptly addressed; but were aware to whistle blow if not. There were sufficient numbers of staff available on duty to meet people’s needs. Risk management plans were in place to respond to identified risks to people. These ensured people’s health and well-being were promoted. People received their medicines safely. Medicines were managed safely in line with good practice including receiving, storage, administration, recording and disposal.
Staff received up to date training to do their jobs effectively. Staff told us they received support and supervision to meet the needs of people. These took place in the form of team meetings, handovers, and formal and informal conversations. However, we saw that regular structured one-to-one supervisions did not take place regularly.
The service worked well with other health and social care professionals, including the community mental health team (CMHT). Professionals we spoke with told us staff understood the needs of people and how to support them in accordance with their needs. People were supported to go for their medical appointments to ensure any changes in health care were managed. People had access to food and drink throughout the day and staff supported them to prepare food to meet their requirements.
People consented to their care and support before it was delivered. Staff respected people’s day-to-day choices and decisions about their lives. People were not restricted or deprived of their liberty. We saw people go out and return from the service as they wished. The registered manager and staff understood their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
People continued to be treated well and respected by staff. People told us staff were kind and polite towards them. Staff supported and cared for people in a way that maintained their dignity and independence. People were supported to keep in contact with relatives and friends. They were also supported in their religious and cultural beliefs.
People were encouraged to maintain their independence. They were supported to engage in meaningful activities of their choice, and took part in educational occupational activities to develop their skills and keep them occupied.
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People’s individual needs had been assessed, planned and delivered in accordance with their wishes. Staff understood people’s needs and preferences, and provided appropriate support accordingly. People’s needs were reviewed regularly with them and their care coordinator to ensure it reflected their present situation.
The provider held regular meetings with people and staff to listen to their views and to consult with them about various matters affecting the service. People knew how to complain if they were unhappy with the service. There were systems in place to monitor and assess the quality of service provided.