This inspection took place on 14 December 2015 and was unannounced. The service was registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to seven people. People who used the service had a learning disability. At the time of our inspection seven people were using the service.
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.
People felt safe. Staff were aware of how to recognise the different types of abuse that may occur and how to report concerns. Systems were in place to protect people from avoidable harm and abuse and these were used when required.
People’s risks were assessed and monitored in order to keep them safe. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and we saw that people were supported to access the community and attend appointments. People’s medicines were managed safely so that they received their medicines as prescribed.
People were supported and encouraged to make their own decisions. When they were unable to do this we saw that current legislation and guidance was followed to ensure that people’s legal and human rights were respected.
Staff were trained to deliver effective care to the people who used the service. People were supported to have enough to eat and drink to maintain a healthy diet and mealtimes were flexible to meet people’s preferences.
People had access to range of healthcare professionals and were supported to monitor their health needs.
People were treated with kindness and compassion by staff who knew them well. They were encouraged and supported to be involved in making decisions about their own care and support. People’s privacy was respected and they were encouraged to be independent as they could be.
People received care that met their preferences and they were enabled to follow their interests. People’s goals were recorded in their care plans and staff were aware of these and supported them to achieve what was set out.
People were encouraged to give their feedback about the service at regular meetings and action was taken when needed. There was an accessible easy read complaints procedure available and people felt able to approach staff if they had any concerns.
There was a friendly and supportive atmosphere at the home and staff enjoyed working there. Staff felt supported by the management team and were involved in developing the service.
The management team and provider completed quality checks and acted upon any issues identified.