On the day of our visit there were 4 people using the service supported by two care workers and the manager. We spoke with four people who used the service. This service offers a short term respite care service for people with learning and physical disabilities.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?
People were cared for safely. Risk assessments were in place and regularly reviewed. People's needs were assessed and reflected in the care plans.
There were arrangements in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies. There was emergency lighting and plans for managing the person's needs in the event of a power failure. Each person had an emergency evacuation plan for use in the event of a fire.
At our previous inspection we raised concerns that people were not always protected from unsafe or unsuitable equipment due to the poor state of repair of the minibus. The provider had since carried out a complete refurbishment on the interior of the bus and a risk assessment was in place to ensure that people were able to get on and off the mini bus safely.
Systems were in place to make sure that managers and care workers learnt from events such as accidents, incidents and complaints. This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.
The provider understood their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Although no DoLS applications had been made the manager was able to describe the circumstances when an application should be made.
Is the service effective?
The service was effective. People had individual care plans which set out their care needs. People's needs were assessed and people told us they were involved in their plans of care. Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required.
Care workers told us they felt supported in their role. One care worker told us "I love working here' and 'I am very supported". Most care workers had achieved a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in care. Care Workers received regular supervision which provided them with the opportunity to discuss their areas of responsibility and identify training needs. This meant care workers were appropriately trained and supported to care for people staying at April Cottage.
Is the service caring?
April cottage provided a caring service. People we spoke with were complementary about their stay. One person told us, 'I like it here'. Another person told us 'I have fun here'. The atmosphere in the home was pleasant and we observed interactions between care workers and people that were caring, warm, relaxed and friendly.
People were supported to express their personal relationships and sexuality in a safe and appropriate way. Care plans showed that people, their representatives and care workers had been involved in identifying how this could be managed safely and sensitively without being intrusive.
Is the service responsive?
The service was responsive. People benefitted from meaningful activities and engagement with staff. During their stay people were offered a wide range of activities which were planned around their likes and preferences. One person told us 'there is plenty to do'. We saw in one person's activity plan that they enjoyed knitting. Their activity plan reflected this and we saw that they were supported to spend time knitting whilst staying at April cottage. This showed that people's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan.
The provider took account of any complaints, comments, accidents and incidents to improve the service. We saw evidence that these were discussed in team meetings. This meant that actions could be discussed with care workers to prevent further incidents of a similar nature occurring.
Is the service well-led?
The service was well led. The home worked with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way.
Care workers spoke positively about the service they provided for people, the manager and each other. Care workers felt supported. One care worker told us "I am most definitely supported. The manager is amazing and we all support each other.' Another said "It's a good team. I am supported by the team, we can talk through everything". Care workers had regular supervisions and told us they felt able to raise any concerns with the manager at any time. This meant that care workers felt confident that they would be listened to and that any concerns they had would be taken seriously.
During our inspection we looked at the quality assurance systems that were in place. The information reviewed demonstrated that the service was monitored on a consistent basis to ensure that people experienced safe and appropriate support, care and treatment.