About the service The Ann Coleman Centre is a care home providing personal care and support for up to seven people who have learning disabilities, autistic spectrum conditions or additional needs. Five people were living there at the time of the inspection.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them. The building was larger than most domestic properties, which meant it did not meet current best practice guidance, but had been a well-respected part of the local community for many years.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People and their relatives told us they were happy with the care received at the Ann Coleman Centre. Staff were kind and caring towards people, and people appeared relaxed and comfortable.
People were protected from the risk of harm or abuse. Staff received training and had a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. Risks to people were assessed to ensure needs were safely met. Risks relating to the environment and equipment were regularly assessed to ensure these were safe.
People received their medicines safely and as prescribed. Staff received training to ensure they were competent in administering and managing medicines.
People were supported by regular staff, and there were no vacancies at the time of our inspection. The provider followed safe recruitment practices and ensured pre-employment checks were completed before new staff started working at the service. Staff were supported through induction, training, regular supervision and ongoing contact with peers and managers.
People's care and support needs were assessed before they came to the service. Care records were person-centred and gave information about individual needs and preferences. 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.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.
People were treated with dignity and respect and were able to spend time in private if they wished. People and their relatives were consulted about care needs and people were supported to be as independent as possible. People were supported to develop and maintain relationships and engage in activities they enjoyed.
Staff supported people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet which met their needs and preferences. Staff worked with other professionals to ensure people received healthcare and support which met their needs.
The service was well led by experienced and respected managers. Staff felt supported by the management team and there was a commitment to the service from the staff we met. Quality and performance were monitored, and feedback about the service was requested. Actions taken when lessons could be learned, or improvements made.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 02 September 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
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.