7 September 2015
During a routine inspection
Beech Tree house provides accommodation and support for up to eight adults with learning disabilities within the Holmer Green area. At the time of our inspection eight people were living at the home. All people living at the home were under the age of 30.
Beech Tree house has a registered manager in place. 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 cared for by staff who knew their needs well and worked well to promote best outcomes for people. Relatives we spoke with were very complimentary about the service and people appeared happy and relaxed within the service.
The service consisted of seven bedrooms within the main house and an external independent annex for one person. The home was presented well and was spacious, light and well laid out. An external room was used in the garden for activities and planning permission had been sought to build a sensory room.
People were supported by staff to maintain and develop their skills and independence. Regular activities were provided to people which included activities in house, and also outside activities such as swimming and trips out.
People were cared for by staff who were kind and attentive. Staff worked well with other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for people, for example, doctors, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. The provider employed an assistant psychologist to ensure plans were in place to recognise potential triggers and signs of distress or challenging behaviours.
People were protected against harm within the service by staff who knew their needs, and how to promote their safety. People were involved in the running of the service and how they wished for the service to be run. Staff received learning disability specific training so they were able to communicate effectively with people in a way which they could understand and respond too.
Staff told us they felt supported by a good management structure. Regular checks were in place to ensure the service met people’s needs and to identify any areas for improvement. We found the service to be person centred and adapted to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities.