This inspection took place on 4 and 5 November 2015 and was unannounced. The previous inspection was carried out in May 2014 and there were no concerns identified.
Juniper is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to three people who have a learning disability. At the time of the inspection three people were living at the service, each having their own bedroom. People had access to a communal lounge, dining area, kitchen, laundry room and shared bathrooms. There is a well maintained garden and outside area. There is off street parking within the grounds and access to public transport with a bus stop opposite the service.
The service has an established registered manager, who was present on the days of the inspection visit. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Staff told us they felt confident that they could speak to the management of the service if they required support and guidance. A system to recruit new staff was in place. This was to make sure that the staff employed to support people were fit to do so. We were able to view these documents after they were emailed to the registered manager from the provider. Staff personnel records did not hold a recent photograph of them.
New staff underwent an induction programme. Existing staff supported new recruits who shadowed them on shifts. Staff were supported to carry out their duties effectively and were offered further support through one to one supervision, team meetings and appraisals.
People had in depth personalised care plans, risk assessments and guidance in place to help staff to support them in an individual way. Staff encouraged people to be involved and feel included in their environment. People were offered varied activities and participated in social activities of their choice. People were supported to pursue individual interests and hobbies. Staff spoke about people in a respectful way which demonstrated they cared about the people’s welfare. People interacted positively with staff, smiling and being involved in conversations.
People were supported to make their own decisions and choices and these were respected by staff. Staff were aware of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The MCA provides the legal framework to assess people’s capacity to make certain decisions, at a certain time.
People had family that were important to them and contact was supported by staff. People felt safe in the service and when out with staff. The service had safeguarding procedures in place and staff had received training in these. People had their needs met by sufficient numbers of staff. People received care and support from a small team of staff and the registered manager worked on rota alongside staff at times.People were happy with the service they received and felt staff were kind.
Equipment and the premises received regular checks and servicing in order to ensure it was safe. Safety checks were completed and there were regular fire drills so people knew how to leave the building safely.
People were supported to maintain good health and attended appointments and check-ups. Health needs were kept under review and appropriate referrals were made when required.
People were encouraged to eat and drink enough and were offered choices around their meals and hydration needs. People were supported to make their own drinks and cook when they wanted to. Staff understood people’s likes and dislikes and dietary requirements and promoted people to eat a healthy diet.
People felt staff were caring, they said they were treated with dignity and respect. Staff knew people and their support needs well. Established members of staff had built up relationships with people and were familiar with their life stories and preferences. People’s individual religious needs were met.
People felt comfortable in complaining, but did not have any concerns. People and their relatives had opportunities to provide feedback about the service both informally and formally.
People felt the service was well-led. The registered manager adopted an open door policy and regularly worked alongside staff. They took action to address any concerns or issues to help ensure the service ran smoothly. Staff felt the registered and deputy manager were supportive of them and the staff team.