The inspection took place on 30 June & 3 July 2015 and was unannounced.
Marley Grove is a group of four homes which provide personal care for up to nine people with a learning disability. At the time of our inspection nine people were using the service.
There was a manager employed. The manager was not registered, however; they were going through the process of registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they 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.
People felt safe living at the service. Staff were aware of what they considered to be abuse and how to report this.
Staff knew how to use risk assessments to keep people safe alongside supporting them to be as independent as possible.
There were sufficient staff, with the correct skill mix, on duty to support people with their needs.
Recruitment processes were robust. New staff had undertaken the provider’s induction programme and training to allow them to support people confidently.
Medicines were stored, administered and handled safely.
Staff were knowledgeable about the needs of individual people they supported. People were supported to make choices around their care and daily lives.
Staff had attended a variety of training to ensure they were able to provide care based on current practice when assisting people.
Staff always gained consent before supporting people.
There were policies and procedures in place in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Staff knew how to use them to protect people who were unable to make decisions for themselves.
People were able to make choices about the food and drink they had, and staff gave support when required.
People had access to a variety of health care professionals if required to make sure they received on-going treatment and care.
People were treated with kindness and compassion by the staff, who spent time with them on activities of their choice.
People and their relatives were involved in making decisions and planning their care, and their views were listened to and acted upon.
Staff treated people with dignity and respect.
There was a complaints procedure in place which people were aware of.
People were complimentary about the manager and staff. Staff, people who used the service and the registered manager had good relationships.
Effective quality monitoring systems were in place. A variety of audits were carried out and used to drive improvements.