8 Spring Mount Harrogate

Updated 30 June 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

And inspector and an Expert by Experience carried out the inspection. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

8 Spring Mount 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 unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals 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. This information helps support our inspections. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with four people who used the service. We spoke with three members of staff including the registered manager, and two support staff. We reviewed a range of records. These included three people’s care records, a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including audits and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

We carried out telephone interviews with two support staff While also continuing to seek clarification from the provider to corroborate evidence found. We looked at audits, support plans, reports and action plans.

Updated 30 June 2022

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.

About the service

8 Spring Mount is a residential care home providing personal care to six people with learning disabilities and/or Autism and sensory impairment at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to six people.

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

Right Support

The service supported people to have the maximum possible choice, control and independence over their own lives. However, people were not always supported to pursue their interests, aspirations and plan goals for the future.

We have made a recommendation regarding person centred planning.

The service gave people care and support in a safe, clean and homely environment that met their sensory and physical needs. The communal areas were modern but not personalised. However, people had the option of personalising their bedrooms to reflect their preferences. .

The service adopted least restrictive practices supported by appropriate training underpinned by a positive behaviour approach. Each person had a positive behavioural plan that described de-escalation and support strategies that staff had to follow to respond to distress. Staff helped people to make decisions using methods that reflected people’s communication styles and preferences.

People received the medicines they needed to support their health needs. The registered manager closely monitored the use of any ‘when required’ (known as PRN) medicines prescribed to manage severe distress to ensure they were used appropriately and only as a last resort.

Right Care

The service had enough appropriately skilled staff to meet people’s needs and keep them safe. The service tried to match staff with people’s preferences to enhance their experiences. Staff knew people’s individual communication styles well. They knew how to interpret their signs, gestures, behaviours and body language. They ensured people had access to information in formats best suited to their sensory needs.

Staff knew people well and responded to them appropriately and sensitively. People’s care, treatment and support plans reflected their range of needs and promoted their wellbeing. People took part in activities and pursued interests tailored to them.

Right Culture

The service had a positive culture that focused on person-centred care however, meaningful outcomes for people were not always planned or recorded.

We have made a recommendation about person centred planning and outcomes.

Staff understood the values of the service to keep people safe and well and give them the best care they could in the least restrictive way. Staff knew and understood people well. They got to know people as unique individuals and personalities regarding this as a key element of person-centred care.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service under the previous provider was Good (published 26 February 2018).

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

Why we inspected

We undertook this inspection to assess that the service is applying the principles of Right support right care right culture.

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.