Oaklands

Updated 21 January 2022

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 COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on Friday 14th January 2022 and was announced. We gave the service one day’s notice of the inspection.

Updated 21 January 2022

About the service

Oaklands is a residential care home providing personal care to people with a learning disability and/or autism. Oaklands accommodates up to eight people in one adapted building. At the time of this inspection, eight people were using the service.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People were happy and felt safe. Staff had an excellent understanding of people’s care and support needs. Support was provided by a consistent team of staff who had developed positive, caring relationships with people. Staff understood the importance of understanding people’s abilities and working with them to achieve positive outcomes.

People were treated with dignity and respect and their independence was promoted. Staff spent time getting to know people, their relatives and their life history. Activities and outings into the community were led by people.

People were looked after by staff who had the skills and knowledge to carry out their roles. Management encouraged staff to continuously develop their skills. Staff communicated effectively with relevant professionals to ensure people received healthcare support they required.

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. Choices people made were respected.

Systems were in place to continuously monitor the service. People and relatives’ views were listened to and respected. The service was responsive to people’s needs and the support provided had improved their well-being and independence.

People and staff spoke positively of the management team. The service was well-run by an experienced registered manager. The registered manager attended regular forums and events to build relationships and share best practice. The service had good links with the local community and other professionals to promote and improve people’s health.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 3 June 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.