24 January 2019
During a routine inspection
People’s experience of using this service:
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice. People were free to leave the home when they wanted, there were no restrictions in place.
People told us they were safe and liked living at the home. People living in 8 Brantwood Road needed minimal support with their personal care needs. Staff mainly encouraged people to complete tasks independently.
People told us staff talked to them about how to stay safe in the home and in the community. They told us if they had any concerns they would talk with staff. Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding and how to report their concerns internally and externally to local safeguarding authorities.
People told us they knew what risks were involved when they were in the home, doing activities or accessing the community. Risk assessments were in place to identify possible risks to people`s health and well-being and measures were implemented to manage the risks.
There were enough staff to meet people`s needs. The registered manager told us people needed no support during the night and they had an emergency contact number in case there was an emergency. However, there were no individual assessments for people to establish if they knew how to ask for help. We recommended to the provider to carry out risk assessments to establish the level of risk during the night to each person when staff were not in the building.
Care plans were well developed and personalised to give guidance to staff on how to support people effectively. People were encouraged to eat a health balanced diet. They had regular heath checks and staff supported them to attend their regular health appointments.
People told us staff were kind and caring and helped them. People`s personal information was kept confidential.
People were involved in discussions about their care and had monthly meetings with their allocated staff member (key worker) to review their mental health.
Staff received training in subjects considered mandatory by the provider and had further opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. People were also encouraged to develop their knowledge by attending different learning courses like fire awareness and about how to keep good oral health.
The provider had a five-year customer engagement strategy. This is where they rolled out various engagement programs for people, gather feedback and seek the views of people in terms of shaping the service to meet their needs.
People`s dignity and privacy was promoted and respected by staff. Staff enabled people to maintain and develop relationships and stay safe.
People were encouraged to engage in activities, pursue hobbies and interests and socialise. Opportunities were created by the provider for people from all their services to get together regularly and participate in workshops they were interested in.
The provider`s governance systems and processes were effective and identified areas of the service where improvements were needed. The registered manager and the provider completed regular audits to ensure the service provided to people was effective and safe.
Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 07 June 2016).
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. The service remained rated Good overall.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.