The inspection took place on 6 August 2015 and was unannounced.
Ashwood is a large detached Victorian house that provides care for up to eight people with a learning disability and/or other complex needs. It is situated near to the town centre and shops, a local park and the beach. At the time of our inspection, there were eight people living at the home, some of whom had lived at Ashwood in excess of 20 years. All bedrooms are single occupancy, apart from one room, which two ladies share. All rooms are equipped with wash handbasins. Bathrooms on the ground and first floor are fitted out as wet rooms. People have access to the kitchen and laundry room beyond, a sitting room and a dining room. The property is surrounded by gardens which are accessible to people.
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 were protected from harm by trained staff who knew how to keep people safe and what action to take if they suspected abuse was happening. Potential risks to people had been identified and assessed appropriately. When accidents or incidents occurred, risk assessments were updated as needed. There were sufficient numbers of staff to support people and safe recruitment practices were followed. Medicines were managed safely.
Staff had received all essential training and there were opportunities for them to study for additional qualifications. All staff training was up-to-date. Regular supervision meetings were organised and the new team leader was in the process of planning supervisions with staff as well as annual appraisals. Team meetings were held and staff had regular communication with each other at handover meetings which took place between each shift. Consent to care and treatment was sought in line with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The registered manager was seeking authorisation for people under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards legislation. People were supported to have sufficient to eat and drink and to maintain a healthy diet. They had access to healthcare professionals. People’s rooms were decorated in line with their personal preferences.
Staff knew people well and positive, caring relationships had been developed. People were encouraged to express their views and these were communicated to staff in a variety of ways – verbally, through physical gestures or body language. People were involved in decisions about their care as much as they were able. Their privacy and dignity were respected and promoted. Staff understood how to care for people in a sensitive way.
Care plans provided comprehensive information about people in a person-centred way. People’s personal histories had been recorded and their preferences, likes and dislikes were documented so that staff knew how people wished to be supported. Some people went to a day centre during the day and there was a variety of activities and outings on offer which people could choose to do. Complaints were dealt with in line with the provider’s policy, but there had been no formal complaints logged in the previous year.
People could express their views and discuss any issues or concerns with their keyworker, who co-ordinated all aspects of their care. The provider organised on-line national surveys for friends, relatives and staff to feedback their views about the service. The culture of the service was homely and family-orientated. Regular audits measured the quality of the care and service provided.
The inspection took place on 6 August 2015 and was unannounced.
Ashwood is a large detached Victorian house that provides care for up to eight people with a learning disability and/or other complex needs. It is situated near to the town centre and shops, a local park and the beach. At the time of our inspection, there were eight people living at the home, some of whom had lived at Ashwood in excess of 20 years. All bedrooms are single occupancy, apart from one room, which two ladies share. All rooms are equipped with wash handbasins. Bathrooms on the ground and first floor are fitted out as wet rooms. People have access to the kitchen and laundry room beyond, a sitting room and a dining room. The property is surrounded by gardens which are accessible to people.
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 were protected from harm by trained staff who knew how to keep people safe and what action to take if they suspected abuse was happening. Potential risks to people had been identified and assessed appropriately. When accidents or incidents occurred, risk assessments were updated as needed. There were sufficient numbers of staff to support people and safe recruitment practices were followed. Medicines were managed safely.
Staff had received all essential training and there were opportunities for them to study for additional qualifications. All staff training was up-to-date. Regular supervision meetings were organised and the new team leader was in the process of planning supervisions with staff as well as annual appraisals. Team meetings were held and staff had regular communication with each other at handover meetings which took place between each shift. Consent to care and treatment was sought in line with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The registered manager was seeking authorisation for people under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards legislation. People were supported to have sufficient to eat and drink and to maintain a healthy diet. They had access to healthcare professionals. People’s rooms were decorated in line with their personal preferences.
Staff knew people well and positive, caring relationships had been developed. People were encouraged to express their views and these were communicated to staff in a variety of ways – verbally, through physical gestures or body language. People were involved in decisions about their care as much as they were able. Their privacy and dignity were respected and promoted. Staff understood how to care for people in a sensitive way.
Care plans provided comprehensive information about people in a person-centred way. People’s personal histories had been recorded and their preferences, likes and dislikes were documented so that staff knew how people wished to be supported. Some people went to a day centre during the day and there was a variety of activities and outings on offer which people could choose to do. Complaints were dealt with in line with the provider’s policy, but there had been no formal complaints logged in the previous year.
People could express their views and discuss any issues or concerns with their keyworker, who co-ordinated all aspects of their care. The provider organised on-line national surveys for friends, relatives and staff to feedback their views about the service. The culture of the service was homely and family-orientated. Regular audits measured the quality of the care and service provided.