The Ark

Updated 25 September 2021

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

Heathcotes (The Ark) 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 service had a manager registered with the CQC. This means that they 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

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection-

We spoke with two people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with four members of staff including, care staff and the registered manager. We also spoke with two health professionals.

We reviewed a range of records. This included two people's care records and medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. We looked at a variety of records relating to the management of the service.

After the inspection

Following our visit we spoke by telephone with the relatives of two people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 25 September 2021

Heathcotes (The Ark) is a residential care home that provides accommodation and personal care to a maximum of seven younger adults with a learning disability, some of whom may also have needs associated autism. Seven people were living in the home at the time of the inspection.

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

People were happy with the care they received, they felt safe and well looked after. The provider safeguarded people from abuse. Staff recognised and reported concerns. Relevant risk assessments were completed. Accidents and incidents were monitored to identify and address trends and reduce risk. There were enough staff on duty who were provided with the appropriate training and support to enable them to carry out their roles effectively.

People received care and support that was developed to meet their individual needs as reflected in their care plans.

People were supported to have their medicines safely.

People's communication preferences were supported, and they made their own decisions. People spent their time doing the things they enjoyed, which maximised their time spent in the local community.

People felt consulted about their wishes and they knew how to make a complaint if they wished to.

People had access to health care and support from other health and social care professionals, which ensured good health outcomes.

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.

A system was in place which was used to monitor the quality and safety of the service. The registered manager carried out regular checks and analysis of incidents to ensure learning from events was shared with staff and actioned appropriately.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

The service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture.

The model of care and setting maximised people’s choice, control and independence. People’s dignity, privacy and human rights were promoted. The ethos, values, attitudes and behaviours of care staff ensured people using the service led confident and inclusive lives.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 9 August 2019 and this was their first inspection.

Why we inspected

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

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.