We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Oaks on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about The Oaks, you can give feedback on this service.
People’s experience of using this service:
Relatives told us they felt people living in the service were safe, staff knew how to deal with allegations of abuse. Medicines were managed safely; individual and environmental risks had been assessed to ensure they were managed to keep people safe.
Evidence was seen that confirmed relevant assessments and applications had been completed to ensure people were not deprived of their liberty unlawfully. People’s choices, likes and needs had been assessed and considered. Meals were provided in line with people’s assessed needs, likes and choice.
The privacy, dignity and respect of people’s needs were consistently maintained. It was clear people received good care and positive interactions were seen taking place. Care plans included information about how to support people’s needs, activities according to people’s likes and choices were provided to people.
No complaints had been received by the service. Positive feedback had been obtained. People were consistently positive about the leadership and management of the service. Systems were established that ensured the service was audited and monitored for people to live in safely.
Rating at last inspection: The last inspection was undertaken on 22 March 2016 where it was rated as good in all of the key questions and the rating was good overall. This inspection report was published on 21 June 2016.
Why we inspected: This was a scheduled inspection based on the previous ratings.
Follow up: We will return to reinspect the service as per our inspection programme. We will continue to monitor any information we receive about the service and we will bring the inspection forward if we receive any concerning information.
The Oaks has a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated regulations about how the service is run.
This was the first inspection of the service since it was registered with the Care Quality Commission in 2014.There were six people living in the home at the time of our visit.
The Oaks is owned and managed by The Priory group who have recently taken over from the previous providers. They are registered to provide care and support to people who experience a Learning Disability. The home is situated in a quiet residential area of Walton le Dale, Preston. The accommodation is provided in a large detached property which is equipped to provide residential care and support for six people to assist them to develop their decision making and independent living skills.
People living at the home and their relatives and other representatives were very positive about all aspects of The Oaks.
We observed how staff spoke and interacted with people and found that they were very knowledgeable about each person and supported them with dignity and respect.
Staff were observed to be mindful and promoted a calm environment. They spoke quietly to people and were observed supporting people with tasks in a calm and respectful way. Staff kept an appropriate distance from people who may have felt anxious if someone was too close to them. People were asked questions in a way that made sure they were helped to understand and were able to respond in a way that reflected their rights and choices.
Each person living at The Oaks was provided with designated key workers who were suitably equipped, experienced and trained to understand the person’s individual needs, inclusive of communication, behaviour and development. We found the staff had an excellent understanding of peoples care and support needs and we found care plans to be detailed and focused on the individual person. Staff also understood how to support people if they lacked capacity to include the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
We noted the service had a complaints procedure, details of which were included in the service user’s guide. People living at the home and their relatives said they were confident that they could raise their opinions and discuss any issues with the registered manager or any other staff member who was on duty.
The service had robust recruitment policies and procedures in place to ensure staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people. This included standardised application forms, the provision of written references and a structured interview process being undertaken to enable the management of the home to have adequate information before employing staff.
Staff were provided with monthly structured supervision sessions and regular updated training and development courses to assist them to build on their knowledge and skills.
The provider had robust systems in place to monitor and review the standards of the services provided at the home. These included reviews with external professionals, daily staff meetings and handovers and the use of self -assessment tools that looked at the safety, management, residents life skills, education and well -being, environment and nutrition.