1 June 2018
During a routine inspection
Beaconhurst is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Beaconhurst accommodates three people in one adapted building.
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.” Although it was acknowledged that the service provided had links to the community, the service required a level of repair and refurbishment in order to provide a more homely environment
There was a registered manager. 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.
Systems were in place to audit, assess and monitor the quality of the service provided. However, repair and improvement work identified was outstanding and had not been completed in a timely manner. Works had been delayed and put on hold whilst the provider looked at other, more suitable premises. The service did not employ dedicated housekeeping staff to maintain the cleanliness of the service. There was an expectation that staff would not only support people, but would also ensure the service was kept clean.
People were supported by staff who were aware of the risks to them on a daily basis. Staff had received training in how to safeguard people from abuse and were aware of their responsibilities to report and act on any concerns.
People were supported to take their medicines as prescribed by their doctor. Where accidents and incidents took place, action was taken and individual analysis took place, but overall analysis of this information did not routinely take place.
People were supported by a group of staff who had been provided with training to meet their needs. People’s healthcare needs were met by having access to a variety of healthcare professionals. People were supported to choose their meals they wanted.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Staff presented as kind and caring and were respectful of people’s choices. People benefitted from positive interactions with staff.
People were supported by staff who knew them well and what was important to them. People were supported to take part in activities they enjoyed.