Fiddlers Rest

Updated 13 October 2018

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 was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on 13 August 2018 and was unannounced. The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Before the inspection we checked information that we held about the home and the service provider. This included information from other agencies and statutory notifications sent to us by the registered manager about events that had occurred at the service. A notification is information about important events which the provider is required to tell us about by law. We used information the provider sent us in the Provider Information Return. This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

During the inspection we met each of the four people who lived at the home. We spoke with people where they were comfortable to engage with us and observed people interacting with staff throughout the inspection. We spoke with a member of care staff, the behaviour and support manager and training and development quality assurance manager.

We looked at the care plans and associated records for two people. We reviewed other records, including the provider’s internal checks and audits, staff rotas, accidents, incidents, records of medicines administered to people and complaints. We looked at staff training records and staff supervision records.

After the inspection, we spoke with the registered manager. The registered manager was on annual leave at the time the inspection took place.

Updated 13 October 2018

This inspection took place on 13 August 2018 and was unannounced.

Fiddlers Rest is a ‘care home.’ People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The home is registered to provide accommodation and care for up to seven people who have a learning disability and/or autism. At the time of the inspection there were four people living at the home.

The property is located within woodland close to the village of Nuthurst a short distance from Horsham. It is a modern, single storey building which has an annex and a bungalow both of which were designed specifically to meet the needs of people that can present with challenging behaviour. The property has level access throughout and each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom; some have a separate kitchen and living room. As well as providing personal care, people are supported to maintain and develop independence and to lead a full life.

At our last inspection we rated the service as Good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of Good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

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.

Care staff had a good awareness of the principles of safeguarding people. We observed staff supported people safely and in a way that encouraged their independence. Risks to people were assessed and there was guidance for staff on controlling risks to people. Sufficient numbers of well-trained staff were provided so people’s needs were met. Checks were made to ensure newly appointed staff were suitable to work in a care setting. Medicines were safely managed. The premises were safe and well maintained. Accidents and incidents were reviewed to see if any changes in service provision were needed. The home was clean and hygienic.

Staff were well trained and received a good standard of training and supervision to ensure people’s care needs were met.

People were involved in devising the menu plan and in preparing meals to develop their independent living skills. People’s health care needs were monitored and arrangements made for people to receive health care checks and treatment.

Staff supported people to make their own decisions and to have as much control over their lives as possible. Staff were trained in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and in the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and demonstrated their understanding of this legislation.

People were supported by kind and caring staff. Staff were observed helping and supporting people who were distressed. People were consulted and involved in decisions about their care and support. Independence was promoted and people’s privacy respected.

People received care which was responsive to their needs and preferences. Each person’s needs were assessed and care plans gave staff clear guidance on how to support people. These ranged from support with people’s emotional and behavioural needs to support in developing their life skills. People were supported to attend a range of activities of their choice. Arrangements were made to assist people to communicate in their preferred way, such as pictures and prompts; staff were trained in communication skills that met people’s needs.

Robust processes were effective for auditing and monitoring the quality of the service and complaints were responded to appropriately in line with the provider’s complaints procedure.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.