Oakleigh

Updated 20 January 2018

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 was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This comprehensive inspection took place on 12 and 13 December 2017 and the first day was unannounced. Two adult social care inspectors and an expert-by-experience undertook the inspection. An expert-by-experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Prior to the inspection, we reviewed the information held by us about the service. This included previous inspection reports and notifications we had received. A notification is information about important events, which the service is required to tell us about by law.

During our inspection we spoke with all nine people who lived at the home, four relatives, six members of staff, the deputy manager and the registered manager. We contacted three health and social care professionals who had been involved in supporting people and providing guidance for staff. We also observed the way staff cared for people in the communal areas of the building and gardens. We looked at the care records of three people who lived at the home, as well as a range of records relating to the running of the home. These included three staff recruitment, training and supervision files, medicine records and quality audits carried out at the home.

Updated 20 January 2018

Oakleigh is a residential care home for people with a learning disability. At the time of our inspection there were nine people living at the home: four in the main house and five in Oakleigh Mews. However, the provider had submitted an application to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to increase the number of people the home can provide accommodation for from nine to 11. Following the inspection, the application had been approved.

Accommodation is provided in the main house, which can accommodate up to six people, and five self-contained apartments (Oakleigh Mews) where people live on their own, whilst receiving staff support. Oakleigh and Oakleigh Mews have extensive grounds. Facilities available to people include a games room, gymnasium and spacious garden for people to enjoy, grow vegetables and tend to animals.

At the last inspection, the home was rated Good.

This inspection was undertaken to review whether the recommendations made by the provider following a safeguarding referral and investigation at the time of the previous inspection in July 2016 had been put into place. We found they had and the rating for this home remains good.

Why the service is rated Good:

People told us they felt safe living at Oakleigh. They said there were enough staff to care for them and keep them safe. One person said, “Yes, I’m safe here.” Another person said, “I like that there’s someone here at night to call if I need them. That makes me feel safe.” All four relatives confirmed their relatives received safe care and support at the home. One relative said, “It’s the best home he’s gone to. I don’t have any worries.”

Records showed, and people told us they were supported to take part in a variety of activities both in and out of the home. Risks to people’s health, safety and welfare were identified and managed well. People received their medicines safely.

People received effective care and support from staff who were well trained and competent. Staff monitored people's health and made sure they were seen by appropriate healthcare professionals to meet their specific needs. People were supported to prepare and cook for themselves and others. Staff supported people to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Staff were caring and some had worked at the home for many years. Staff and people knew each other well and we saw kind and friendly interactions between them. People were supported to make choices about how they wished to be cared for and staff supported their independence. People's privacy was respected.

Staff provided care and support which was responsive to people's individual needs. Each person was involved in developing a care plan that described their needs and preferences.

The service was well-led by the registered manager and senior staff who were open and approachable. People told us they were comfortable talking to the staff or registered manager if they had a concern or wished to make a complaint.

The home was safe and well maintained. Equipment had been serviced regularly to ensure it remained in safe working order.