1 February 2019
During a routine inspection
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
At our last inspection in July 2016 we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
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 were supported safely, with dignity and respect by caring staff who understood their needs, including behaviours which challenged the service. People had ‘positive behaviour support guidance’ in place for staff to follow in helping them manage behaviours which challenged which were personalised. Risks relating to people’s care were carefully managed by staff. Staff knew the best ways to communicate with people and people were supported as far as possible to develop their independent living skills. People received care in purpose built, clean premises which were well maintained and met their needs well.
People took part in activities based on their interests and had structured activity programmes in place. People were supported to maintain relationships with people who were important to them to reduce social isolation.
The provider had robust recruitment procedures in place for new staff. People were supported by the right numbers of staff to keep them safe and to respond to their needs. Staff were well trained and supported in their roles.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. People chose their own meals and staff considered people’s cultural needs. Staff supported people to maintain their health and see healthcare professionals as required. People’s medicines were safely managed and administered.
People and relatives were involved in care planning and staff followed people’s care plans to meet their needs. Care plans reflected people’s physical, mental, emotional and social needs, their personal history, preferences, interests and aspirations. The service had begun to engage people and relatives in end of life care planning as part of a programme run by the local hospice.
The service was well led by a registered manager staff who understood their role and responsibilities well.
The provider had good governance systems in place to audit and improve the service with frequent checks of the service in line with CQC standards. Systems were in place for the provider to communicate and gather feedback from people, relatives and staff. The provider investigated and responded to concerns and complaints appropriately.