The inspection took place on 6 April 2016 and was unannounced. Safeharbour (Droitwich) offers accommodation for up to six people with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder care needs. There were five people living at the home at the time of our inspection.People had their own rooms and the use of a number of comfortable communal areas, including a kitchen and dining area, a lounge, a sensory room, an area for crafts and games, and garden areas.
We had the opportunity to meet with five people who lived at the home on the day of the inspection. Some people were not able to communicate with us directly, so we contacted their relatives after the inspections to find out what they thought about the care their family members received.
A registered manager was in post at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
The registered manager and staff team had developed ways of working with people so their individual preferences and interests were met and their safety needs taken into account. Risks to people's safety were recognised and staff took action so people were able to do things they enjoyed and go to places they liked in ways which promoted their safety as their needs changed. There were enough staff available to support people so their care needs would be met in ways which promoted people’s safety. Staff understood what actions to take if they had any concerns for people's safety or wellbeing. The registered manager provided advice to staff if they required any guidance on the best way to care for people so people's safety and care needs would be met. People were supported to take their medicines so they would remain well.
Staff had the used their skills and knowledge when caring for people so people would enjoy a good quality of life. Staff worked with other organisations and relatives so people's right to make decisions and their freedom was protected. People were supported by staff to enjoy a range of food and drinks so they would remain well. People had regular access to health appointments. Staff followed the advice of specialist health services so people would receive the care they required.
We saw caring relationships had been built with the staff and people were given encouragement and reassurance when they needed it. Staff supported people so they were able to make choices about their daily care. People's need for privacy and independence was taken into account by staff.
People benefited from living in a home where staff understood people’s care and support needs and their individual preferences. Staff took action when people's needs changed and adapted how they cared for them so their needs were met.
Relatives were confident staff would take action if complaints were raised and knew how to do this. Relatives had not needed to raise any complaints about the service.
Staff understood what was expected of them and were supported through training and discussions with their managers. There was open communication between the provider, registered manager, relatives and staff. Relatives and staff were comfortable to make suggestions for improving people's individual care and were listened to. Regular checks were undertaken on the quality of the care by the provider and registered manager and actions were taken to develop the home further.