Archived: Ravenswood

We carried out an unannounced inspection of Ravenswood on 15 December 2014. Ravenswood is registered to provide accommodation and personal support to three people with a learning disability. The service does not provide nursing care. At the time of the inspection there were three people accommodated in the home.

Ravenswood is a detached property set in its own grounds. It is situated off the main road and is close to the centres of Whitworth and Rochdale.

At the previous inspection on 14 August 2013 we found the service was meeting all standards assessed.

There was a registered manager in day to day charge of the home. 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.

People living in the home told us they felt safe there and did not have any concerns about the way they were supported. One person said, “I like it here; I have improved so much because of this place.” A relative said, “He is safe and well looked after.” People living in the home were given easy read guidance about how to report abuse and had received information and advice about keeping safe in the local community. Staff had a good understanding of what constituted abuse and were able to describe the action they would take if they witnessed or suspected any abusive or neglectful practice.

Proper checks had been completed before new staff started working in the home. People who lived in the home were able to meet and greet applicants or participate in the interview to help make sure any new staff recruited were capable of supporting them. All staff were given the training and support they needed to help them support people properly.

People who lived at the home told us they were happy with the service they received and with the staff that supported them. Comments included, “All the staff are very good” and “The staff are lovely; I get on with all of them”. Relatives’ comments included, “Staff are fabulous” and “They have a close connection with the people in the home.” The atmosphere in the home was relaxed and we observed staff interacting with people in a kind, good humoured and friendly manner. During our visit we heard friendly ‘banter’ and laughter between staff and people living in the home and various conversations about movies and TV programmes and plans for the Christmas period.

People’s medicines were looked after properly. Staff had been given appropriate training and regular checks were done to make sure they were competent and safe to practice.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) sets out what must be done to make sure the rights of people who may lack capacity to make safe decisions are protected. The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) provides a legal framework to protect people who need to be deprived of their liberty to ensure they receive the care and treatment they need. Staff had received training about the MCA and DoLS and had a good understanding of the procedures to follow.

People told us they were involved in the planning of weekly menus and would go shopping for groceries with staff. Where appropriate, people were given support by staff to prepare the meals. During the lunch time meal we found the atmosphere was relaxed with good interaction between staff and people living in the home.

People’s healthcare needs were considered during the initial care planning process and as part of ongoing reviews. Each person had a Health Action Plan which recorded discussions and decisions about their health and lifestyles. The service had good links with other health care professionals and specialists to make sure people received prompt, co-ordinated and effective care.

There were opportunities for involvement in a range of activities. Activities were flexible and people told us they were supported to make their own plans. This helped make sure activities were tailored to each individual. People were also involved in household chores and supported with employment in the local community.

People described how staff helped and encouraged them to keep in contact with families and friends. People told us they were able to meet with family and friends and with people from the local community at the social centre:- ‘The Chill Mill’.

There had been no complaints made about this service since the last inspection. The complaints procedure was displayed around the home and was available in an easy read format that could be understood by everyone. People were encouraged to discuss any concerns during review meetings, during day to day discussions with staff and management and also as part of the annual survey. One person said, “I can say straight away if things are not right, but I am happy with everything here.” A relative said, “I have no complaints but if I had any problems they would get it sorted.”

There were effective systems in place to regularly assess and monitor the quality of the service and to obtain people’s views about the service. A ‘Compass Group’ enabled people using the service to meet and discuss improvements that were important to them. In addition people using the service, their friends and family and people from the local community were able to attend training sessions, meetings and social events at ‘The Chill Mill’ (day centre).