This inspection was unannounced and carried out on 31 August 2016.Myland House is a residential care home that provides care and support for up to five people with complex neurological needs following a traumatic or acquired brain injury.
At the time of our inspection there were five people using the service.
A registered manager was 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 a legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
The service was last inspected on 10 October 2013 and at that time requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations were met.
Myland House provided a small homely environment and promoted a positive and inclusive culture. People described their care as good and told us that staff were kind and helpful. Staff had developed caring and meaningful relationships with people and knew each person’s individual care and support needs. The service had established firm links with the community and supported individuals to develop and maintain personal relationships with friends and family, which enhanced their wellbeing.
People were protected from avoidable harm and potential abuse. Safeguarding procedures were in place and people were encouraged and supported to raise any concerns.
Potential risks were identified and assessed. Management and staff had a positive attitude towards managing risk and balanced the need for people to have preference and choice with ensuring they were safe, both in the service and in the community. Detailed management strategies were in place to provide guidance to staff on the actions to take to minimise risk and provide appropriate and individualised support.
Safe recruitment practices ensured the suitability of newly appointed staff coming to work in the service. People were supported by sufficient numbers of staff with appropriate experience, training and skills to meet people’s needs. Staffing levels were flexible and supported people to follow their interests, take part in social activities and, where appropriate education and work opportunities.
Appropriate checks of the building and maintenance systems were carried out regularly to ensure people’s safety. Medication was stored safely and administered correctly. Robust systems were in place to ensure medication and people’s finances were managed safely and appropriately.
Management and staff understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Appropriate mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions had been undertaken by relevant professionals.
People were supported to maintain good health. They received continuing healthcare support to meet their needs and had prompt access to healthcare professionals when they became unwell. Staff promoted healthy eating. They supported people to balance choice with healthy options and people's preferences contributed to the menu planning.
The provider had arrangements in place to listen and learn from people's experiences, comments and views. There was a strong emphasis on promoting good practice in the service and there was a well-developed understanding of equality, diversity and human rights which management and staff put into practice. The registered manager was knowledgeable, inspired confidence in the staff team and led by example.
Quality assurance systems were robust and helped to ensure the service was of a good quality, was safe and continued to improve.