Background to this inspection
Updated
2 December 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 10 November 2020 and was announced.
Updated
2 December 2020
About the service
42 East Wonford Hill is a 'care home' registered to provide accommodation and personal care support for up to six people living with a learning disability and/or autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of this inspection five people were living there, all of them had been resident at the service for several years.
Services for people with learning disabilities and or autism were supported. There were deliberately no identifying signs, intercom, cameras, industrial bins or anything else outside to indicate it was a care home. Staff did not wear clothes that suggested they were care staff in the service or when going out with people.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People living at 42 East Wonford Hill had little or no verbal communication. One person said they liked living there and staff were “kind.” Everyone appeared relaxed and happy in the service. All five people had been resident for a number of years and were familiar with staff, who knew them well.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These guidelines helped to ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. Staff had been trained to meet each person’s needs, taking into consideration their safety, preferences and wellbeing. Staff knew people well and were able to spend time with them, working at the person’s pace. Staff supported people to develop skills to promote their independence. For example, people were encouraged to do activities they enjoyed both in the service and in the community. This included mixing with friends and family, shopping, attending community run groups and learning life skills.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives by staff who supported them in the least restrictive way possible. Care records contained details of decisions made where a person had been assessed as not having capacity to make that decision. These had involved, where possible, the person, their family and professionals. The provider’s policies and systems supported this practice.
People received their medicines safely and on time. Medicines were stored safely. Risks to the person had been assessed and care plans described how people were supported to minimise these risks while supporting people to live life as fully as possible.
Staff knew how to communicate with each person using a range of communication methods, both verbal and non-verbal.
The registered manager understood their role and led by example, using a person-centred and empowering approach. The registered manager was involving people, their families and staff in improving the care and support provided to people. Staff said the registered manager was open and supportive.
The provider and registered manager ensured checks and audits were regularly carried out to ensure the quality of care and safety of the service. Where issues were identified, action was taken to make improvements.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 21 August 2017)
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk