Advent House

Updated 14 February 2020

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection team consisted of two inspectors on the first day, and one inspector on the second.

Service and service type

Advent House 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 for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced on both days.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection-

We observed all the people who used the service at various times of the day. We spoke with eight members of staff including six support staff, the deputy manager and the registered manager.

We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.

Updated 14 February 2020

About the service

Advent House is a residential care home providing personal care and accommodation to seven adults living with a learning disability, were on the autism spectrum, or had other complex needs at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to ten people. Advent House accommodates people in one specially designed and purpose built building.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People were very happy and settled, and staff clearly knew them very well. Safeguarding concerns were dealt with robustly and thoroughly. Risks were well managed with detailed guidance for staff, and any concerns reviewed and analysed promptly. Amendments to support plans were completed if needed. People were supported by well trained and supported staff who promoted a consistency of approach which was important for some people. Medicines were administered safely, and the home was very clean.

People enjoyed freshy prepared home cooked meals with their peers and were supported by attentive staff who offered discreet assistance at mealtimes, if needed. Staff understood people’s health and social needs well and sought external help when necessary. Visiting professionals commented on the positive atmosphere within the service.

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 enjoyed many outings and trips including holidays and pop concerts.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

Staff were kind and considerate, always ensuring people were included in conversations and their input was encouraged. Staff followed people’s lead where people used non-verbal communication. People helped shape their days and how they liked their care being delivered. Privacy and dignity were respected.

Care documentation was accurate and reflective of people’s needs which we saw supported in practice. End of life wishes needed further discussion with some people although no one was at end of life at the time of inspection. The service was person-centred and quality assurance systems ensured all feedback was integrated into plans for the future. People enjoyed a fulfilled life, accessing the local community regularly.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 20 December 2018) with one breach of regulation. The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

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.