Archived: Kernou Residential Home

Updated 27 May 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014. This unannounced inspection took place on 12 May 2017. The inspection was conducted by one adult social care inspector.

We reviewed the Provider Information Record (PIR) before the inspection. The PIR is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and the improvements they plan to make. We also reviewed other information we held about the service and notifications we had received. A notification is information about important events which the service is required to send us by law.

During the inspection we spoke with four people living at the service, the registered manager, and four care staff. We looked around the premises and observed care practices on the day of our visit.

We looked at two records relating to people’s individual care. We also looked at three staff recruitment files, staff duty rotas, staff training records and records relating to the running of the service. After the inspection we spoke with two relatives.

Updated 27 May 2017

Kernou Residential Home provides accommodation and personal care for eight people who have a learning disability. Kernou Residential Home is owned and operated by Cornwallis Care Services Ltd. On the day of our visit six people were living at Kernou Residential Home.

We carried out this unannounced inspection on 12 May 2017. At the last inspection, in February 2015, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People told us they felt safe living at Kernou and with the staff who supported them. People told us, “I like it here” and “I am really happy.” Relatives told us they were, “Very happy” with the care provided and that, “The manager is the best one they have had, she is on the ball.”

Care and support was provided by a consistent staff team, who knew people well and understood their needs. People were supported to access the local community and take part in a range of activities of their choice. Staff supported people individually and in groups to attend work placements and activities of their choosing.

There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff on duty and staffing levels were adjusted to meet people’s changing needs and wishes. Staff completed a thorough recruitment process to ensure they had the appropriate skills and knowledge. Staff knew how to recognise and report the signs of abuse.

People were supported to eat and drink enough and maintain a balanced diet and were involved in meal planning. Menu planning was done in a way which combined healthy eating with the choices people made about their food.

People were supported to maintain good health, have access to healthcare services and receive on-going healthcare support. Staff supported people to arrange and attend appointments to see their GP and other necessary healthcare appointments.

Care records were up to date, had been regularly reviewed, and accurately reflected people’s care and support needs. People, who received care, or their advocates, were involved in decisions about their support and consented to the care provided. Risk assessment procedures were designed to enable people to take risks while providing appropriate protection.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

People and their families were given information about how to complain. The registered manager and operational director were visible in the service, regularly working alongside staff to provide care and support for people. There was a positive culture within the staff team and staff said they were supported by the registered manager.

There were effective quality assurance systems in place to make sure that any areas for improvement were identified and addressed. People and their families were involved in the running of the service and were regularly asked for their views through on-going conversations with staff and surveys.

Further information is in the detailed findings below