The inspection took place on the 8 November 2016. The inspection was unannounced. Deerhurst is a small residential care home which provides care and support for up to three people with a learning disability and autism. The home is located in a quiet cul-de-sac within a local housing estate. People’s rooms were located on the first floor which were accessed by stairs. One of the rooms had an ensuite bathroom, the two remaining rooms shared a shower. In addition the home had a lounge and conservatory, a kitchen and separate dining room, a laundry and a staff office. The home had a large garden to the rear of the property and parking to the front. At the time of the inspection there were three people living at the home.
The service had 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run. The registered manager was also the registered manager of another of the provider’s nearby service and split their time equally between the two services.
People told us they felt safe living at Deerhurst and our observations indicated they felt relaxed and comfortable in the presence of their care workers and responded positively when staff approached them or offered them support.
We found, however, that some improvements were needed. People were not always protected from risks associated with the environment. The provider’s governance arrangements needed to be more robust to ensure that all of the risks to people were monitored and appropriate action taken when a risk identified.
People’s medicines were managed safely and there were appropriate systems in place for obtaining, storing, administering and disposing of medicines.
Staff had received training in safeguarding adults and had a good understanding of the signs of abuse and neglect.
Safe recruitment practices were followed and appropriate checks had been undertaken which made sure only suitable staff were employed to care for people in the home. There were sufficient numbers of experienced staff to meet people’s needs.
Staff were supported to provide appropriate care to people because they were trained, supervised and appraised.
Where people were unable to make decisions about their care, staff were guided by the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005.
Improvements had been made which helped to ensure that people received a nutritious diet.
Where necessary staff had worked effectively with a range of other healthcare professionals to help ensure that people’s health care needs were met.
People appeared relaxed and comfortable in the presence of the staff that were supporting them. Staff had a good knowledge and understanding of people which demonstrated they knew them well.
Meetings were held with people on a weekly basis and were an opportunity for them to make choices about how their care was provided.
People were encouraged to maintain relationships with their family and to make new friends through visiting the providers other homes nearby.
Staff demonstrated a good understanding of the meaning of dignity and how this encompassed all of the care provided to each person.
Improvements had been made to ensure that people were receiving care that was responsive to their wishes and preferences and allowed them to take part in activities of their choice.
People’s support plans were personalised and their preferences and choices were detailed throughout their care records.
People and staff were encouraged to give feedback about the service and this was used to drive improvements. Complaints policies and procedures were in place and were available in easy read formats.
The registered manager demonstrated a good understanding of all aspects of the home and the needs of people living there. Staff were positive about the leadership of the service. They felt listened to, respected and supported in their roles.
We found one breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of this report.