The inspection took place on 12 November 2014 and was unannounced.
At the last inspection the service was fully compliant with the regulations and no improvements were required.
Town View is a purpose built care service run by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. It is registered to provide respite services for up to 14 people who are over 18 years old and require support with learning and physical disabilities. The service has two floors with seven bedrooms on each floor and other facilities provided mainly on the ground floor. There is also a courtyard and garden area. At the time of the visit there were four people staying in the service.
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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People were supported to be kept safe and protected from harm. Staff knew how to handle any allegations of harm and had received training to help support people with this. Additionally people were supported to be able to take risks in their lives, for example when going out in the local community.
People were supported by adequate numbers of staff who had been recruited through a formal process. The process included undertaking checks to ensure potential staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people.
People were supported to have their medication needs safely met.
Observations of staff reflected they were caring and supportive with people. They were patient with people and clearly knew people’s needs.
Staff completed an induction when starting work in the service and attended a variety of training. This helped to make sure they had the necessary skills to support people effectively.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which apply to care homes. DoLS are part of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA 2005) legislation which is in place for people who are unable to make decisions for themselves. The legislation is designed to make sure any decisions are made in the person’s best interest. One person had been supported by the service for this. Additionally the registered manager was currently undertaking a piece of work to help make sure this legislation was met.
Professional’s told us that staff were responsive and caring. They said staff communicated well with relatives and professionals.
Information about people’s diet and health was known to the service. This helped to ensure continuity of care and support. People received a choice of meals whilst staying in the service and received appropriate support with these. When necessary the service supported people to attend medical appointments.
Relatives gave positive feedback about the service. One person commented “Staff here walk on water – they are fantastic”, “They have looked after my relative in a way I would have been proud of.”
Care planning documents were in place which helped staff to make sure they were aware of the likes and dislikes of each person. The service responded well to people’s needs. Staff were aware of individual preferences. Any concerns raised were responded to and staff worked hard to support people though change.
The manager had been in post for some time and knew the service well. They had systems in place to help ensure the safe running of the service, this included consultation with people who used the service and staff.