Archived: Chippings

Updated 11 January 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is 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.

One inspector who had knowledge and experience of supporting people with learning disabilities carried out this unannounced inspection which took place on 12 December 2016.

Before the inspection, we asked the provider to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We reviewed the completed PIR and we checked information that we held about the service and the service provider. This included statutory notifications. A notification is information about important events which the provider is required to tell us about by law.

During the inspection we spent time with all six people who lived at the home. Due to their levels of communication we were unable to have detailed or lengthy conversations with them. In order to ascertain if people were happy with the support they received we spent time observing the care and support they received. This included how staff interacted with people and people’s body language when they were going about their daily routines.

We spoke with the registered manager, the deputy manager and two care staff. In addition, we also spoke with two relatives of people who lived at the home on the telephone. We also reviewed information that we received from an external professional and with their consent have included their comments in the report.

We viewed a range of records about people’s care and how the home was managed. These included care records and medicine administration record (MAR) sheets for two people, and other records relating to the management of the home. These included staff training and support records and one person’s employment records. We also looked at quality assurance records, staff meeting minutes, questionnaires, policies and procedures and incident reports.

Chippings was last inspected on 21 January 2015 when no concerns were identified.

Updated 11 January 2017

This was an unannounced inspection which took place on 12 December 2016.

Chippings is a residential care home that provides accommodation and support for a maximum of six adults with a learning disability and or autism. At the time of this inspection there were six people living at the home. People had varied communication needs and abilities. Some people were able to express themselves verbally using one or two words; others used body language and gestures to communicate their needs. Everyone who lived at the home required support from staff for all aspects of their life including emotional and physical support.

During our inspection the registered manager was present. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Quality assurance audits and checks were completed that helped ensure quality standards were maintained and legislation complied with. Quality assurance processes included obtaining and acting on the views of people in order that their views could be used to drive improvements at the home. Survey findings were not being reported on at the frequency stated in the provider’s policy. We have made a recommendation about this in the main body of our report.

People’s legal rights to consent were upheld. Capacity to make decisions had been assumed by staff unless there was a professional assessment to show otherwise. The home followed the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and was meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Information about people who had a legal right to make decisions on behalf of people was not in place. We have made a recommendation about this in the main body of our report.

Staff were available for people when they needed support in the home and when they wanted to participate in activities outside of the home. Robust recruitment procedures were followed to ensure staff were safe to work with people.

People appeared very happy and at ease in the presence of staff. Staff were aware of their responsibilities in relation to protecting people from harm and abuse.

Medicines were managed safely and staff training in this area included observations of their practice to ensure medicines were given appropriately and with consideration for the person concerned.

Checks on the environment and equipment had been completed to ensure it was safe for people to use.

People were supported to take control of their lives in a safe way. Risks were identified and managed that supported this. Systems were in place for responding to incidents and accidents that happened within the home in order that actions were taken to reduce, where possible reoccurrence.

Staff told us that they had enough time to support people in a safe and timely way. Staff were skilled and experienced to care and support people to have a good quality of life. Training was provided during induction and then on an on-going basis. Staff received a high degree of support that enabled them to carry out their roles and responsibilities.

People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. People were routinely involved in the review of their care packages. People were supported to access healthcare services and to maintain good health. People had enough to eat and drink throughout the day.

Positive, caring relationships had been developed with people. Staff knew what people could do for themselves and areas where support was needed. Staff appeared dedicated and committed.

People received personalised care that was responsive to their needs. Activities were offered and people were supported to increase their independent living skills. People were also supported to maintain contact with people who were important to them.

Staff understood the importance of supporting people to raise concerns. Information of what to do in the event of needing to make a complaint was available to people.

People spoke highly of the registered manager. Staff were motivated and told us that management of the home was good. The registered manager was aware of the attitudes, values and behaviours of staff.