We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask; ' Is the service safe?
' Is the service effective?
' Is the service caring?
' Is the service responsive?
' Is the service well-led?
This is a summary of what we found-
Is the service safe?
One person told us she felt she and her child were very safe at the service. A social care professional told us she was impressed by the risk assessments carried out to ensure women were kept safe at Ridley Villas. Appropriate security measures were in place to ensure people's safety. These included CCTV monitoring of access points to the building. The manager was available on call in case of emergencies.
CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications had needed to be submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place.
Systems were in place for checking safety equipment and systems such as fire alarms and extinguishers.
Is the service effective?
People told us that they were happy with the care that had been delivered and their needs had been met. One person told us, 'It's been worth it, 100%', and, 'It's helped a lot. I don't know where I'd be without Ridley Villas. It's the best place I've ever been.'
Partner agencies told us the service was effective. A social care professional told us she had used the service three times and her clients had always had a very positive experience and had benefitted greatly from the support provided. Another professional told us, 'They have a lot of success. They have really turned some people's lives around.'
Staff had a good understanding of the people's care and support needs and knew them well. Staff had received training to meet the needs of the people living at the home.
Is the service caring?
People were supported by caring and committed staff. People told us staff gave them great encouragement and support. One person said, 'They genuinely care for you, here.' Comments given as part of the annual survey of people's views included, 'The staff go out of their way to help us', and, 'It's a very good service. They have given me a lot of support through my bad times and good.'
Professionals we spoke with confirmed the caring and supportive ethos of the service. One professional told us, 'It goes without saying, they are very caring.' Another professional said that care was also shown by staff consistently challenging behaviours that were harmful to the person or their child.
Is the service responsive?
People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the home. People had been asked for their views and these had been recorded. Records confirmed people's preferences, interests, aspirations and needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's needs and the needs of their children. One person told us, 'Every service I've asked for, I've got. If the manager can get us support, she does.' People had good access to activities that were important to them and had been supported to maintain personal relationships with their children, other relatives and friends.
Professionals told us the service was very responsive to the needs of people and that it worked well with partner agencies. One professional told us, 'We work hand-in-glove. They co-operate fully.' Another professional said, 'I can always get a response, even out of hours.'
Is the service well-led?
The service had a registered manager in post. Although there was a high level of sickness absence for permanent staff, the manager had ensured good continuity of the service by giving appropriate support to the temporary workers brought in to cover. One temporary support worker told us her induction had been 'brilliant', and had given her the information she needed to meet people's needs. Workers had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and effective quality assurance processes were in place. People who used the service were asked for their views about their care and treatment in regular meetings and their views were acted upon.
People using the service, support workers and external professionals all spoke very highly of the manager's leadership. One person told us, 'The manager has been a massive help, she's really good.' A support worker told us, 'The manager is very good. She's supportive and she listens.' Comments from health and social care professionals included, 'She leads from the front and models transparency, honesty and openness', and 'The manager leads exceptionally well.'
Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities, they were given regular training opportunities and could access company policies and guidance.