Greenacres

Updated 12 March 2022

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

This inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

Greenacres is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a 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 Care Quality Commission. 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 announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice because it was a small service and we wanted to ensure people were available to talk with.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we held about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority commissioning team. 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 Greenacres and made the judgements in this report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke about Greenacres with one person, three relatives, three staff and the registered manager. We walked around the building to carry out a visual check. We did this to ensure Greenacres was clean, hygienic and a safe place for people to live. We looked at records related to the management of the service. We checked care and medication records, staffing and recruitment files and quality and leadership oversight systems.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We reviewed the home’s quality assurance systems, care documentation, staff records and training matrix.

Updated 12 March 2022

About the service

Greenacres is a care home providing personal care to six people at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to six younger adults with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder. It is a purpose-built building with multiple communal spaces for people’s comfort and enjoyment. It is situated close to local amenities and public transport.

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

People led very meaningful lives because the registered manager and staff had an exceptionally positive impact on their progress. A relative told us, "Greenacres staff offer at all times exceptional care for my precious [relative]." The management team created an activity programme highly tailored to each person’s interests and preferences. Another relative added, "Such great opportunities that [my family member] would not have received anywhere else." The management team worked closely with relatives and professionals to gain detailed insight into how each person responded, interacted and connected. People understood how they could raise a complaint because the registered manager provided details in different formats, such as pictorial.

People received their medicines safely because the registered manager had rigorous systems to ensure careful administration. Each individual had a person-centred assessment to lessen the risk of harm or injury to them. All levels of staff took responsibility for providing a clean, safe environment. People’s individual needs were met because the provider ensured sufficient staffing levels were available.

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’s independence and control over their lives was optimised because staff sought their moment-by-moment consent. They were at the heart of their care planning. Each person planned with the registered manager different approaches to lessen the risk of malnutrition. A relative said, “The meals are great. My [family member] feels well-fed.” The registered manager provided extensive training.

The main focus of care was to deliver person-centred, holistic and inclusive support plans. Each person made their day-to-day decisions, which staff reinforced through a good understanding of equality and diversity. A relative stated, “They’re always professional, but my relative feels like they are her friends. They’ve got that balance incredibly well.”

People were empowered to fully express themselves because the registered manager created a calm and relaxed atmosphere. A relative commented, “[The registered manager] has such a lovely manner about her.” The registered manager completed multiple audits to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.

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.

This service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. Staff supported people to make their own decisions and lead discussions on what they wanted to do. There was a consistently kind and respectful approach, ensuring each person maintained their independence and privacy. People confirmed they were happy and settled at Greenacres.

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

Rating at last inspection and update

This service was registered with us on 06/02/2020 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the service’s registration date.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to coronavirus and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

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