Archived: Dimensions 61 New Road

Updated 24 August 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This unannounced comprehensive inspection took place on 2 August 2017 and was carried out by one inspector.

Before the inspection, we reviewed all the information we held about the service including previous inspection reports and notifications received by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). A notification is used by registered managers to tell us about important issues and events which have happened within the service. The provider had completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, such as what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used this information to help us decide what areas to focus on during our inspection.

Due to their complex needs, we were only able to speak with two of the people living at 61 New Road. However, we also spent time observing interactions between people and the staff supporting them. The registered manager was not available during the inspection, but we spoke with the assistant locality manager, four support workers and one agency support worker. We reviewed two people’s care records, staff training records, recruitment files for two staff and other records relating to the management of the home such as audits and meeting minutes. After our visit we spoke with two people’s relatives to obtain their reviews on the quality of care and sought feedback from four health and social care professionals. Following the inspection, we also spoke with the registered manager.

The last inspection of this service was in June 2016 during which we identified that improvements were needed to ensure that the premises were kept in good decorative order and to ensure that staff received adequate supervision.

Updated 24 August 2017

Dimensions 61 New Road provides care for up to six adults with a learning disability. The service is located on a quiet residential road, close to local amenities. At the time of our inspection there were five people living at the home some of whom were also living with physical disabilities. The home is arranged over two floors. The ground floor consists of two bedrooms which share an adapted bathroom. There is also a dining and kitchen area, a laundry room and a communal lounge. This floor is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Four further bedrooms, two shared bathrooms and the office are located on the first floor which is accessed by stairs only. The home has a large accessible garden to the rear and parking to the front.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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 Dimensions service and provided management oversight to two single dwelling supported living settings. The registered manager was not available during the inspection due to being on leave, but we spoke with them upon their return to discuss our inspection findings.

At the last inspection in June 2016 the service was rated as requires improvement. This was because improvements were needed to ensure that the premises were kept in good decorative order and to ensure that staff received adequate supervision. This inspection found that the required improvements had been made. Staff had ensured the premises were more homely and comfortable for people to live in and the registered manager had taken action to ensure that staff were receiving more regular supervision.

Regular checks were undertaken to help maintain a safe environment for people to live in. We have made a recommendation that the provider ensure that the window restrictors meet relevant guidance.

Staff had a good understanding of people’s risks and how to support them to maintain good health and stay safe. Staff understood how to support people to take positive risks and the importance of not restricting their interests.

Accidents and incidents were investigated to make sure that any causes were identified and action was taken to minimise any risk of reoccurrence. People’s medicines were managed safely.

Staff understood how to recognise and respond to abuse. People were encouraged to express their choices and these were respected. The leadership team understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

People were supported to have enough to eat and drink and their dietary needs were met. Staff worked effectively with a range of other healthcare professionals to help ensure people’s health care needs were met.

People were supported by staff that were kind and caring. Staff and people had a good relationship and that staff showed people kindness and patience and provided care in a calm and quiet manner. Staff listened to people and respected their choices and wishes, encouraging them to be involved in making decisions about the care and support provided.

The service and people living there continued to be part of their local community. People were supported to stay in contact with their friends and relatives.

People were cared for with dignity and respect and that staff were mindful of their need for privacy.

Staff understood the needs of the people they supported and cared for them in a person centred manner that was responsive to their individual needs.

People were able and encouraged to take part in a range of leisure activities and follow their own interests.

The provider had a complaints procedure in place that was accessible to people. Records showed that the provider had not had any complaints since our last inspection.

Feedback from staff about the registered manager and the assistant locality manager was positive. Staff felt well supported and confident going to the registered manager or assistant locality manager with any concerns or ideas.

The registered manager fostered a positive and person centred culture within the home and helped staff provide care which was in keeping with people’s needs and wishes.