Our current view of the service
Updated
9 February 2024
An assessment has been undertaken of a specialist service that is used by autistic people and people with a learning disability.
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability 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.
Acorn House is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 6 adults with autism and a learning disability. At the time of our inspection there were 4 people using the service.
The assessment was completed between 4 March 2024 and 13 May 2024. A site visit to gather peoples’ experiences and observe care practices was carried out on 2 May 2024.
People's experience of the service
Updated
9 February 2024
Right support: Model of care and setting maximises people’s choice, control and Independence;
People were kept safe from avoidable harm because staff knew them well and understood how to protect them from abuse. Risk management considered people’s physical and mental health needs and showed that measures to manage risk were as least restrictive as possible. Medicines were managed safely.
The number and skills of staff matched the individual care and support needs of people using the service. Staff were well trained and competent in their jobs. There were safe and effective recruitment and selection processes in place.
Right care: Care is person-centred and promotes people’s dignity, privacy and human rights;
People’s care, treatment and support promoted equality, removed barriers or delays, and protected their rights. Staff empowered people to make their own decisions about their care and support. The service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).
Right culture: Ethos, values, attitudes and behaviours of leaders and care staff ensure people using services lead confident, inclusive and empowered lives;
Staff supported people through recognised models of care and treatment for people with a learning disability or autistic people. Support focused on people’s quality of life outcomes and people’s outcomes were regularly monitored and adapted as a person went through their life.
There were clear and effective governance, management and accountability arrangements in place and staff understood their role and responsibilities. The service had strong external relationships that supported improvement and innovation to embed evidence-based practice in the service.