Belmont

Updated 19 October 2018

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 was a comprehensive unannounced inspection which took place on 7th and 8th August 2018 and was carried out by one inspector. Before the inspection we reviewed the information we already held about the service. This included details from the provider on a Provider Information Return (PIR) which gave us key information about the service, and told us what the service does well and what improvements they were planning to make.

We also looked at the previous inspection report and any statutory notifications sent to us. Notifications are information we receive when a significant event happens, like a death or serious injury.

During the inspection we looked at a range of information including two care plans, the staff training matrix, staffing rotas, two recruitment files, minutes from staff meetings, internal audits, health and safety records and two staff supervision and appraisal records.

We spoke with four people, the registered manager, three staff, one relative and two visiting professionals. We observed interactions between people and staff. Following the inspection, we received feedback from one relative.

Following the inspection, the provider sent copies of documents that we had requested including, and a copy of internal audits results and service development plan.

Updated 19 October 2018

Belmont is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Belmont can accommodate up to seven people with learning disabilities. On the day of our inspection, there were six people living at the service. Each person has their own bedroom and they all shared a lounge, kitchen/diner, conservatory, laundry and utility room, bath/shower rooms and large rear garden.

The 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 we rated the service overall as Good, although we rated the service as Requires Improvement in Well-Led because at the time, the service did not have a registered manager. At this inspection a registered manager was in post and we found continuing evidence to support the overall rating of Good with no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is therefore written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Medicines were managed safely and people received their medicines when they should. People were supported to maintain good health and attended appointments and check-ups. People were supported in a safe environment and risks had been identified, and were managed in a way that enabled and encouraged people to live as independent a life as possible.

Staff understood how to protect people from the risk of abuse. They had received safeguarding training and were aware of how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns. The registered manager monitored incidents and accidents to make sure the care provided was safe. Emergency plans were in place so if an emergency happened the staff knew what to do.

A robust system to recruit staff was in place. There were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet people’s assessed needs. Staff received regular training and supervision which enabled them to support people effectively.

People were supported to make decisions and choices about all aspects of their lives. People took part in a range of activities which they had chosen and enjoyed. Staff knew people and their support needs well. People had detailed care plans, risk assessments and guidance in place to help staff to support them in an individual way.

People were supported to raise any concerns they may have. Staff understood when people were unhappy and supported them to resolve any concerns and issues.

Staff were caring, kind and respected people’s privacy and dignity. There were positive and caring interactions between the staff and people and people were comfortable and at ease with the staff.

The registered manager had good management oversight. Staff said they were listened to and suggestions discussed and implemented. Quality assurance audits were carried out to identify any shortfalls within the service and how the service could improve.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.