About the service 26 Brookside Avenue provides accommodation for up to three people who require support with personal care. The service specializes in care for younger people with learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of our inspection two people were using the service. The registered manager told us that they do not intend to support three people in the future as the building is too small
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
We identified a few concerns about the recording and storage of medicines. We were informed these would be resolved promptly. People and relatives felt the service was safe. Staff had received safeguarding training and knew how to report concerns if they had any.
We observed staff were well trained and also had sufficient care plan guidance in place to ensure that they were supporting people safely and effectively. The service was clean.
There were enough staff and staff were safely recruited. If needed, referrals were made to other professionals. Professional advice was documented and followed. Professionals had also provided some training for staff.
Staff had good knowledge of people’s needs. We observed positive caring interactions between people and staff. Relatives reported that the service was caring.
The service was small and followed the principles of ‘registering the right support’. Where the service was situated, allowed people access to the countryside and public transport if people wanted to visit other areas. We observed people were supported to engage in activities of their choosing and live independent lives.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Whilst neither of the people using the service were at the end of their life; the service had explored their wishes. This meant that in the event of a sudden death, their preferences would be followed.
There was a clear governance process to ensure that records were audited at the service. The provider oversaw the registered managers work to ensure that the management team was effective. Staff spoke highly of the registered manager and felt the service was managed well.
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 2 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.