Background to this inspection
Updated
23 January 2020
The inspection
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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection Team
One inspector carried out this inspection on 10 January 2020.
Service and service type
The service, 32 Station Road, is a care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
The inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since our last inspection. This included details about incidents the provider must notify us about, such as serious injury and abuse. The provider was asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection, which they did. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We sought feedback from the local authority and local clinical commissioning group. We used all the information to plan our inspection visit.
During the inspection
We spent time with all seven people and some were able to give us their feedback about the service. We spent time with people in communal areas, observing interactions and support they received from staff. We spoke with four care staff, one volunteer, the cook, the registered manager and the chief executive for Polesworth Group Homes.
We reviewed a range of records. This included a full review of two people’s care plans, risk management plans, multiple medication records and health and safety checks. We also looked at records relating to the management of the home.
Following our inspection visit, we had telephone conversations with four relatives to gain their feedback about the service.
Updated
23 January 2020
About the service
The service is a care home operated by Polesworth Group Homes; a provider of support for people with learning disabilities. The service, 32 Station Road, provides personal care and accommodation for up to seven people. The home has two floors, with a communal lounge, dining area and conservatory. There were shared bathroom facilities. At the time of our inspection there were seven people living at 32 Station Road.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were relaxed and happy in the company of staff. People felt settled and secure living at the home. People had enough activities to do. Staff demonstrated a kind, caring and personalised approach toward people and gave support when needed.
Risks had been identified and were well managed by staff who knew people well. Risk management plans gave staff information they needed to reduce risks of harm or injury to people.
Staff were trained and offered opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. Staff used equipment, such as hoists to transfer people, in a safe way.
People had their prescribed medicines available to them and were supported with these by trained staff. Records showed people received their medicines when needed.
People had choices about drinks and what they ate for their meals and their nutritional needs were met. Staff understood the importance of promoting people’s independence whenever possible.
The home was well-maintained and good level of cleanliness reduced risks of cross infection.
The provider was taking into consideration the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance for the accommodation of people with learning disabilities. 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 received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.
Staff understood the importance of giving people choices. 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.
People’s needs were assessed, and information was used to form personalised plans of care.
There were enough staff on shift to meet people’s needs. Staff were recruited in a safe way.
Staff ensured people were happy with the care and support they received. The provider displayed their complaints policy.
There were processes to audit the quality and safety of the service and where these identified the need for improvements, these were quickly acted on.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at the last inspection
The last rating for this service was Requires Improvement (published 17 January 2019).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the rating of the last inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.