Melrose House

Updated 25 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 13 January 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection.

Updated 25 January 2022

About the service

Melrose House is a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 10 people living with a mental health condition, learning disabilities and/or autism in one building. At the time of inspection, the home was fully occupied. In addition to this care home, the service also provides a domiciliary care service to older people living in their own homes. At the time of inspection, the service was supporting 45 people in their own home.

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 told us they liked living at the home and the care people received in their own home was of a good standard. Feedback from relatives was very positive regarding the level of care and support people received.

People told us they received safe care. Appropriate environmental and personal risk assessments were in place to keep people safe, whilst supporting people to maintain as much independence as possible. Medicines were handled safely both in the home and out in the community, and staff had received appropriate training in this area. The provider continued to have a robust staff recruitment in place.

People’s needs were fully assessed prior to living in the home or receiving care in their own home. Staff received training to support them in their role. However, some training was out of date for some staff employed within the care home. We have made a recommendation about this.

Staff told us they felt supported by the registered manager. They described them as open and approachable. Staff felt the registered manager welcomed their feedback.

People were supported to maintain a varied, healthy and balanced diet. They had a choice in what food was prepared for them. People receiving care in their own homes told us staff prepared meals the way they wanted. Where necessary, staff quickly referred people to healthcare professionals to support their health and well-being as well as supporting people (if needed), to attend any healthcare appointments.

Without exception, people and relatives told us staff supported them in a very caring way. They also told us they felt comfortable talking to staff and staff listened to them if they had any concerns.

People were encouraged and supported to form and maintain friendships as well as engaging in various activities within the home. Where people received care in their own home, staff supported people with social time activities. Staff also supported people to achieve their own personal goals. For example, one person was now confident to be able to access the community on their own and meeting friends for coffee.

The registered manager welcomed feedback through various sources. They sent out questionnaires to gather people’s opinions. This feedback was used to further improve the level of care and support provided. The registered manager carried out a range of monthly quality checks across all aspects of care and service provided.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Some care plans did not include details regarding people’s end of life wishes.

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

Rating at last inspection (and update)

The last rating for this service was good (published 13 March 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.