2, Newton Road is a residential care home. It is registered to provide short-term respite care for up to three people who may have a learning disability. An outreach service is also provided with additional staff which was not looked at during this inspection. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The service accommodated three people at the time of the inspection. The accommodation is provided from a purpose-built bungalow and has suitable adaptations for people who may have limited mobility.
The care service was developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. The model of care proposed from 2015 and 2016 guidance that people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder which proposed smaller community based housing. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
At our last inspection in May 2016 we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
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At this inspection we found the service remained good.
People told us they were safe and were well cared for. Staff knew about safeguarding vulnerable adults procedures. There were enough staff available to provide individual care and support to each person. Staff upheld people's human rights and treated everyone with great respect and dignity.
The atmosphere in the service was lively and welcoming and the building was well-maintained with a good standard of hygiene.
There were opportunities for staff to receive training to meet people’s care needs. A system was in place for staff to receive supervision and appraisal and there were robust recruitment processes being used when staff were employed.
People were predominantly 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. However, we have made a recommendation about mental capacity and best interest decision making for checks to be made if a deprivation of liberty was required for some people to keep them safe.
Staff knew the people they were supporting well. Risk assessments were in place and they accurately identified current risks to the person as well as ways for staff to minimise or appropriately manage those risks.
Care plans were in place detailing how people wished to be supported and people were involved in making decisions about their care. Staff had developed good relationships with people and were caring in their approach. Care was provided with patience and kindness.
People were provided with opportunities to follow their interests and hobbies and they were introduced to new activities. They were supported to contribute and to be part of the local community.
Information was made available in a format that helped people to understand if they did not read. This included a complaints procedure. People we spoke with said they knew how to complain.
People were supported by staff who knew their individual dietary requirements and how to support them in the right way. People had access to healthcare professionals when they required them. People received their medicines in a safe way.
Staff said the management team were supportive and approachable. Communication was effective, ensuring people, their relatives and other relevant agencies were kept up-to-date about any changes in people's care and support needs and the running of the service.
The provider undertook a range of audits to check on the quality of care provided. People had the opportunity to give their views about the service. There was consultation with people and family members and their views were used to improve the service. We discussed with the registered manager this could be extended to obtain people’s views after each stay. Also to consider the formation of a forum, made up of representatives of people who used the service, to consult with them and involve them in the running of the service.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.