The inspection took place on 4 & 5 September 2015 and was unannounced. Klein provides care and accommodation for up to two people with learning disabilities who each have their own self-contained living accommodation within the home. On the day of our visit two people were living in the service. Modus Care (Plymouth) Limited owns Klein and has three other local services.
The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. The registered manager is also the registered provider. Registered providers 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 met and spoke to people during our visits. We observed people and staff were relaxed in each other’s company and there was a calm atmosphere. Some of the people who lived in the service were not able to fully verbalise their views. People responded positively when asked if they liked living in Klein. All staff agreed that they felt people were safe living in the service. Staff knew people well and had the knowledge to be able to support people effectively.
Staff had undertaken training on safeguarding adults from abuse, they displayed good knowledge about how to report any concerns and described what action they would take to protect people against harm. Staff felt confident any allegations or concerns would be fully investigated.
People’s medicines were managed safely. People received their medicines as prescribed and received them on time. Staff were appropriately trained and records showed what each medicine was prescribed for. People were supported to maintain good health through regular access to health and social care professionals, such as dieticians and social workers.
When people were asked about the care and support they received, those able, responded positively while others responded with a smile indicating they were happy with the staff support. Care records were comprehensive and personalised to meet each person’s needs. Staff fully understood people’s individual complex behavioural needs and responded quickly when a person became anxious. People were involved as much as possible with their care and records documented how people liked to be supported. People were offered choice and their preferences were respected.
People living in the service could be at high risk due to their individual needs and additional support was offered when needed. People’s risks were well managed and documented. People lived active lives and were supported to try a range of activities. Activities were discussed and planned with people’s interests in mind.
People enjoyed the meals provided and they had access to snacks and drinks at all times. People were involved in planning of menus, food shopping and preparing meals.
People did not have full capacity to make all decisions for themselves, therefore staff made sure people had their legal rights protected and worked with others in their best interest. People’s safety and liberty were promoted.
Staff said the registered manager was very supportive and approachable and worked in the home regularly. Staff talked positively about their roles.
People were protected by safe recruitment procedures. There were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to support people safely and ensure everyone had opportunities to take part in activities. Staff received an induction programme. Staff had completed appropriate training and had the right skills and knowledge to meet people’s needs.
People had access to healthcare professionals to make sure they received appropriate care and treatment to meet their health care needs such as community nurses and GPs. Staff acted on the information given to them by professionals to ensure people received the care they needed.
There were effective quality assurance systems in place. Any significant events were appropriately recorded, analysed and discussed at staff meetings. Evaluations of incidents were used to help make improvements and ensure positive progress was made in the delivery of care and support provided by the service. People met with staff on a one to one basis and were able to raise concerns. Feedback was sought from people living in the home, relatives, professionals and staff.