30 April 2019
During a routine inspection
People’s experience of using this service:
The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support. People were supported to make choices in all areas of daily living from choosing clothes to wear to what they ate on a daily basis. Opportunities to use local facilities and amenities had increased and people had equipment that enabled them gain new skills to increase their independence in whatever way they could.
There were enough staff who had been appropriately recruited, to meet people’s needs. Staff had a good understanding of the risks associated with supporting people. They knew what actions to take to mitigate these risks and provide a safe environment for people to live. Staff understood what they needed to do to protect people from the risk of abuse. Incidents and accidents were well managed. People’s medicines were managed safely.
People’s needs were effectively met because staff attended regular training to update their knowledge and skills. Care staff attended regular supervision meetings and told us they were very well supported by the management of the home. People were encouraged to make decisions and choices. They were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People were treated with dignity and respect by kind and caring staff. Staff had a good understanding of the care and support needs of people and had developed positive relationships with them. People were supported to attend health appointments, such as the GP or dentist and attended appointments for specialist advice and support when needed. People had enough to eat and drink and menus were varied and well balanced.
Relatives commented on the improvements in the service over the past year. This was attributed to the reduction in the staff turnover and the manager growing in experience in the role. Professionals spoke positively of the staff and how they interacted with people and how they always acted on specialist advice and guidance.
Staff had a very good understanding of people as individuals, their needs and interests. Everyone needed support with communication and were not able to tell us their experiences; we observed that they were happy and relaxed with staff. People were supported to take part in activities to meet their individual needs and wishes. This included trips to the local parks, theatres, cafes and restaurants. Emphasis had also been placed on increasing opportunities for activities, so people had attended football matches, had enjoyed trips to London and arrangements were being made for one person to go to Disneyland Paris.
The environment was clean and well maintained. The provider had ensured safety checks had been carried out and all equipment had been serviced. Fire safety checks were all up to date.
Rating at last inspection: At the last inspection the service was rated requires improvement. (The last inspection was published 1/05/2018).
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.
Follow up: We will review the service in line with our methodology for 'Good' services.