Background to this inspection
Updated
21 April 2021
The inspection
This was a targeted inspection to check whether the provider had met the requirements on the specific concerns we had about recruitment, staff support and training, visiting people as well as people missing their health appointments.
Inspection team
This inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in in privately rented houses and flats, ‘supported living’ settings, so that they can live 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 service had not had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. The registered manager 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 gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because we needed to be sure that the provider would be in the office to support the inspection.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with the provider`s general manager who was overseeing the service until the new manager started.
We reviewed a range of records. This included risk assessments for two people. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We spoke to three people using the service. Five relatives gave us feedback about the support people received. We received feedback from three members of staff. We also contacted the local authority commissioning team for feedback.
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.
Updated
21 April 2021
About the service: Camphill – St Albans provides domiciliary support to people who live in privately rented houses and flats, which are situated within a mile radius of the registered office and St. Albans town centre. People receive care based on a 'supported living' model to help them live as independently as possible and to provide them with the support they need to help meet their individual health and social care requirements. Support is provided to a range of people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and other complex needs. At the time of our inspection there were 39 people who were receiving support.
People’s experience of using this service:
• There was a warm, welcoming and very friendly atmosphere throughout. The provider was very person-centred and staff had an extensive understanding of people's individual needs.
• Staff were extremely responsive towards people’s lives and care requirements.
• People and where appropriate, relatives told us they were fully consulted in the review of their care plans.
• The service was both enthusiastic and creative in supporting people to pursue their interests which created a sense of belonging and purpose. A range of day time activities, work experience and full-time employment was on offer to ensure a variety of opportunities which reflected people’s individual wishes and interests.
• The registered manager was passionate about providing person centred care and this was reflected in every aspect of the service. People were empowered to help run and improve the service through a variety of forums and consultation processes.
• Partnerships had been developed with the community and health and social care professionals.
• A range of regular checks had been completed to review the quality of the care and any areas where improvements were required. When identified improvements were implemented to continuously work in the interests of the people living at Camphill - St Albans.
• People’s safety had been considered and risks had been reduced by the introduction of equipment or guidance. Staff had received training in relation to safeguarding and knew how to protect people from harm.
• Medicine was managed safely. People were supported to follow a healthy eating plan and staff advised and supported people to live a healthy lifestyle.
• People enjoyed living as part of both the Camphill village community and also were very involved in taking an active part in the wider community of St Albans and surrounding areas.
• There were sufficient staff to meet their needs and staff were recruited in accordance with best practice.
• People are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice. Health care had a focus to ensure people’s ongoing wellbeing.
• Information was provided in a range of formats to support understanding. People were able to access spiritual support to meet their religious beliefs.
• There was a registered manager of the service and the rating was displayed within the main office/reception area as well as on their website. When required notifications had been completed to inform us of events and incidents, this helped us the monitor the action the provider had taken.
Rating at last inspection: Good (Published December 2016)
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. At this inspection we found the service continued to be Good, and in one area improved to Outstanding.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.