Mornington House is registered to accommodate up to eight younger adults with learning disabilities who need support to lead independent lives. Bedrooms are situated on the ground and first floors and a lift is available for people who have mobility problems. Car parking space is available at the side of the house and there is a small garden area.
We last inspected this service on 14 January 2014 and found the regulations we assessed were being met.
The home had a registered manager 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 legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
We found that people living at Mornington House felt safe. Staffing levels were flexible according to people’s care needs and any activities planned both within the home and the local community. People who used the service told us there was always a sufficient number of staff on duty to meet their needs.
Safeguarding procedures were robust and members of staff were clear about their role in safeguarding the people they supported. People who used the service were reminded at their regular meetings what they should do if they had any concerns.
Recruitment procedures were thorough and protected people from the employment of unsuitable staff. People who used the service were involved with interviewing applicants and their views were taken into account in the selection process.
We saw that medication was managed safely and ensured that people received their medicines as prescribed by their doctor. Members of staff responsible for the administration of medicines had received training and their practice was regularly assessed to ensure correct procedures were followed.
Members of staff told us they were supported by management and received regular training to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to provide effective care for people who used the service. Staff had also received training about the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Although there were no authorisations for DoLS in place members of staff knew when an application should be made and how to submit one.
People who used the service told us the meals were good and snacks and drinks were available throughout the day. We found that people’s weight and nutrition was monitored so that prompt action could be taken if any problems were identified.
Throughout the inspection we saw that members of staff treated people with dignity and respect and spoke to people in a polite and friendly manner. People told us they got on well with the staff team.
We found that people’s individual care plans were person centred and tailored to the needs and wishes of each person. Care plans included detailed information about people’s personal preferences, interests and diverse needs. These plans were reviewed regularly and amended when necessary to reflect people’s changing needs.
Managers and staff worked closely with other health and social care professionals including the learning disabilities team in order to ensure that people’s needs were met.
People who used the service told us they enjoyed leisure activities within the home and in the local community. These included voluntary work, college courses, bowling, shopping and swimming. Trips to local attractions and holidays were arranged.
People were encouraged to express their views about any aspect of life at the home at their monthly meetings. Any reasonable requests made by people who used the service were permitted by the registered manager.
The complaints procedure was displayed in the home and discussed at the monthly meetings with people who used the service. Records confirmed there had been no complaints in the last year.
Systems were in place for the management team to monitor the quality and safety of the care provided. We saw that audits completed regularly covered all aspects of the service provided.
The members of staff we asked told us they enjoyed working at Mornington House. They said that they were treated fairly and felt supported by the management team and their colleagues.