Archived: Dalecroft

At our last inspection in February 2016 we rated the service as ‘Good’.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

Dalecroft provides care and support to people living in a 'supported living’ setting, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. 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.

The service had a registered manager. 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. The registered manager was on annual leave at the time of our inspection.

Some people we met had limited verbal communication. However, we observed them to be comfortable with staff who used methods of communication suitable to the person’s needs.

People were clearly very comfortable with staff. They told us staff made them feel safe and they liked spending time with them.

Policies and procedures were in place to safeguard people from harm and the staff we spoke with understood their responsibilities in keeping people safe. Accidents and incidents were reported appropriately and reviewed to look for any themes or trends which could be mitigated against.

Medicines were managed safely although temperatures of medicine storage needed to be taken daily rather than weekly and protocols for ‘as needed’ medicines needed to include detail about the effectiveness of the medicine.

Risk assessments were in place which helped to protect people from risks they may encounter in their daily lives.

Staff records showed the recruitment process was robust and staff were safely recruited. People who lived at the home were involved in staff recruitment.

Training was delivered to staff in order to help them support people's specific needs. An induction process was in place and staff training was up to date. Competency checks for administration of medicines needed to be updated.

Staff confirmed they received regular supervision and appraisal and team meetings were held.

Staffing was organised flexibly around the support needs of people using the service. There was a member of staff available in the home over the 24 hour period.

People were supported to plan menus and had choice of meals and snacks. Healthy eating was promoted.

Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005).

Our observations, together with our conversations with people, provided evidence that the service was caring. The staff had a clear understanding of the differing support needs of people and we saw they responded to people in a caring, sensitive, patient and understanding professional manner.

Dalecroft provides personal care to six people with learning disabilities in a supported living service. There were six people using the service when we carried out the inspection.

The service has a registered manager who has been in post since the service was registered. 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 told us they felt safe and we saw staff knew people well and understood how to manage risks without limiting people’s freedom unduly. Staff understood safeguarding procedures and how to report any concerns.

Medicines management systems were safe and ensured people received their medicines when they needed them.

Staffing levels were flexible to meet people’s needs and allowed them to pursue their interests and hobbies. Staff recruitment procedures ensured staff were suitable to work in the care service.

Staff received the training and support they required to carry out their roles and meet people’s needs. The registered manager and staff understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005.

Staff supported people to access the healthcare services they required. People chose what they wanted to eat and drink and staff supported them with shopping and preparation of meals. Staff supported people to lead active lives of their choosing and helped them manage their own budgets.

Care and support was planned and delivered with people to meet their needs and preferences. People knew how to raise any concerns and there was accessible information to guide them in the complaints process.

The service was well led by a registered manager who led by example and promoted person-centred care. Staff told us they felt supported and people who used the service were comfortable around the registered manager and knew them well. Effective quality audit systems ensured any issues were identified and addressed.