Langdale House

Updated 25 November 2020

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.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

This inspection took place on 4 November 2020 and was announced.

Updated 25 November 2020

This inspection took place on 13 December 2018 and was unannounced.

Langdale House is a residential care home for up to eight people with learning disabilities. At the time of our inspection eight people were using the service. The service had spacious living areas and was set over two floors. The service was set in a residential area with easy access to the local community. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

At our last inspection 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.

Systems were in place to manage risks to people's safety. Potential risks to people were assessed and managed appropriately. Accidents and incidents were recorded and reviewed in order to reduce the risk of them reoccurring. People received their medicines safely and in line with their prescriptions. People were supported by sufficient numbers of staff. Staff had been recruited appropriately and had received relevant training so that they were able to support people with their individual care and support needs. The environment was clean, homely and well-maintained. There was a contingency plan in place to help ensure people's care would not be disrupted in the event of an emergency.

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 supported this practice. People's nutritional needs were met and a choice of food and drinks were available. People had access to a range of healthcare professionals and any guidance provided by them was followed. People's needs were assessed prior to them moving into the service to ensure the staff had the skills to support them.

People were treated with kindness and compassion. People's rights to privacy were respected by the staff who supported them and their dignity was maintained. Staff knew people well and were aware of people's individual communication styles. People were encouraged to take part in daily living tasks and encouraged to develop their independent living skills. People were supported to maintain relationships with those who were important to them.

People and their relatives were involved in decisions about the care. The service responded to people's changing needs in a timely manner and care plans were regularly reviewed. People had access to a variety of activities both within the community and when spending time at home. There was a complaints policy in place which was displayed in an easy read format. Complaints received had been responded to in line with the provider’s policy.

People who used the service and staff were confident about approaching the registered manager and provider if they needed to. Effective auditing systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service. The views of people and their relatives on the quality of the service were sought. There was a positive culture throughout the service. Staff felt supported in their roles and shared a common ethos and values.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.