Five-Ways

Updated 11 March 2022

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.

As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 17 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 20 hour’s notice of the inspection to ensure someone could be there to speak with us.

Updated 11 March 2022

Five-Ways provides accommodation and personal care for up to three people living with a learning disability, physical disability, autism and/or mental health needs. The home is a bungalow at the end of a cul-de-sac. It is within walking distance of local shops and amenities. The accommodation comprises three bedrooms, a cosy lounge, dining room and a kitchen. At the time of our inspection three people were living at the home.

There was a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the home. 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 home is run.

People were protected from abuse. Relatives and staff told us they felt the home was safe. Staff had received safeguarding training and knew how to report any concerns.

People received their medicines as prescribed from staff who were trained to do so safely.

There were sufficient staff deployed to meet people’s needs and additional staff were brought in for community support when required.

Individual and environmental risks relating to people’s health and welfare had been identified and measures were in place to reduce these. Emergency plans were in place and understood by staff if required.

People’s rights were protected because staff understood and followed the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Deprivation of liberty safeguards had been submitted to the local authority for authorisation when required.

People had a choice of nutritious food and drink and were supported to maintain a healthy diet. People had access to health care services when required.

Staff received training, supervision and appraisal to support them in their roles and deliver effective support.

The provider met the Accessible Information Standards. Staff used a range of communication methods and provided information in a way people could understand, such as pictures, which helped them to make informed choices.

People took part in a wide range of activities in line with their interests and which increased their skills and independence. Staff knew people well and empowered them to make choices and take control of their lives.

People were supported to maintain important relationships and visitors were welcome at any time. Staff were patient, kind and caring and respected people’s privacy. They treated people with dignity and respect.

People had detailed support plans which provided guidance for staff. People and their relatives were involved in planning and reviewing their care.

Systems were in place to monitor and assess the quality and safety of the care provided. There were opportunities for people and relatives to feedback their views about their care and this was used to improve the service.

Complaints procedures were produced in picture format and displayed throughout the home. People and relatives knew how to raise a complaint if they needed to. There had been no complaints in the previous twelve months.

There was a positive, supportive and open culture within the home. Staff felt involved in the development of the service and felt supported by the registered manager. The registered manager understood their responsibilities and reporting of incidents to the commission.

We last inspected the service in April 2016 and rated the service as good overall. At that time we rated the well led domain as requires improvement as the manager was in post but had not yet registered with the Care Quality Commission. This inspection found that the required improvements had been made.