Archived: Baldock

Baldock is registered to provide accommodation and care for up to 20 people with a learning disability and/or physical disability. Three other homes in the local area provide accommodation and care for up to 15 people, however at the time of the inspection these were incorrectly registered. On the day of our inspection, five people were using the service at Baldock.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

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

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 policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were safe at the service and there were enough staff to meet their support needs. Risks were managed appropriately. People were supported to manage their medications safely.

People’s needs were fully assessed before care was provided at Baldock. Staff had received all necessary training and told us they felt supported in their role. People’s individual nutritional needs were assessed and people were supported to eat their meals in line with this assessment. The service worked well with other professionals to ensure people received the right support. The home was clean, although in some areas required some further decoration. Staff sought people's consent prior to offering care or support.

People said staff were kind and caring. Staff supported people to maintain their dignity and promoted their privacy. People were supported to communicate their wishes and make their own decisions. Staff were knowledgeable about how to provide care that met people’s preferences and reflected their choices. Discussions about people’s end of life wishes had been documented. People were able to raise their concerns or complaints which were acted on promptly.

The service was not correctly registered with the Care Quality Commission. Quality assurance systems were in place although not always effectively operated. The management team were developing care plans to be more person centred and reflective of people’s current care needs. The management team were approachable and supportive to staff; however, the manager was not always visible within the service to support staff as required. Meetings did not provide staff regular opportunity to discuss ideas, suggestions or management of the service.

Rating at Last Inspection

This service was registered with us on 03/01/2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on date the service registered.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor the service to ensure people receive safe, compassionate, high quality Care. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.