Willow House

Updated 21 July 2022

The inspection

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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

The inspection team was made up of one inspector, a specialist advisor, and an expert by experience. A specialist advisor is a person with professional expertise in care and/or nursing. An expert by experience is a person with experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Willow Lodge 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.

At the time of our inspection visit the service did not have a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. Since then a new manager has been registered. 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

We inspected this service unannounced on 24 May 2022 and announced on 31 May 2022.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since their registration. We sought feedback from the local authority and commissioners. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection

During the inspection

We spoke with three relatives and spent time with three of the people using the service. We spoke with the manager and the nominated individual. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider. We also spoke with three care workers and two of the service’s directors.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people's care records, staff records, and records relating to the management of the service.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 21 July 2022

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.

About the service

Willow House is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to five people. The service specialises in providing support to people diagnosed with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders. At the time of the inspection three people were using the service.

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

Right Support

People were encouraged to take part in a range of activities at the service and in the wider community. A staff member said, “The residents are lovely, and I like being on the go with them. They get lots of opportunities to go out and they have a good quality of life here.” Staff involved relatives in people’s care and support and kept them up to date on their progress and achievements. A relative said, “Every week pictures are sent to me, so I know what they have been doing.” People had increased their independence since being at 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 premises were spacious, safe, and comfortable with a large secure garden at the back.

Right Care

Staff provided people with personalised care and support. They knew people well and communicated effectively with them using language, pictures and signs. People had a say in all aspects of their lives and staff encouraged them to make choices about their daily routines and activities. People were treated with dignity and respect. Staff protected their privacy and knew how to do this safely without undermining their independence. People were supported to be healthy, to eat well, and to be active and involved in the local community.

Right culture

The service’s directors, manager, and staff team were committed to providing good quality care in a warm and caring environment. A relative said, “The service is well led without a shadow of doubt.” People’s needs and wishes were at the centre of the service and staff supported them to lead confident, inclusive and empowered lives. They sought advice and feedback from those involved in people's care including relatives and health and social care professionals. The service had a calm and happy atmosphere. Staff followed best practice guidance for supporting people diagnosed with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders.

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

Rating at last inspection and update

The last rating for this service was good (report published on 06 January 2018).

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about staffing and people’s safety. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks and to assess that the service is applying the principles of Right support right care right culture.

We also looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe and Well-led key questions. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

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.