The inspection was carried out on 7 September 2016 and was unannounced.The Crescent is registered to provide accommodation with personal care needs to a maximum of five people who have a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder. There were five people living at the home on the day of the inspection.
There was a registered manager in post who was present during the inspection. 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.
Relatives felt staff kept their family members and their belongings safe. Staff knew how to identify poor practice and signs of abuse and how to report concerns. Where concerns had been identified these had been dealt with appropriately and action taken to prevent reoccurrence.
There were enough staff to support people’s health and social needs. The provider had carried out recruitment checks to ensure prospective new employees were suitable to work with people living at the home.
People needs were assessed prior to moving into the home to ensure that the service could meet their needs and aspirations. Staff were aware of the risk associated with people’s needs and took action to minimise these without restricting people’s choice. Staff took appropriate action to deal with incidents and stop them happening again.
People were supported to take their medicines as prescribed and accurate records were maintained. Staff monitored people’s health and arranged medicine reviews and health care appointments as required.
Staff sought people’s consent before supporting them. Staff enabled to make their own decisions by explaining things to them in a way they could understand. Where people were unable to make certain decisions for themselves these were made in their best interest to protect their rights.
People were supported to choose and prepare their own meals and drinks. People’s nutritional needs were routinely assessed monitored and reviewed. Staff provided support and equipment to enable people to eat independently.
People and relatives found staff friendly and caring. People were supported to keep in contact with friends and relatives. Staff treated people with dignity and respect and supported them to increase their independent living skills.
People were supported to lead fulfilled lives. Staff sought opportunities to broaden people’s life experiences. People were supported to follow their dreams and aspirations.
Relatives had not found reason to complain but were confident that prompt actions would be taken to address them. The provider had a clear complaints procedure that was available in different formats.
There was a positive working culture at the home which encouraged open and honest communication. The registered manager had a clear vision for the service which was shared by staff. The provider sought the views of people, relatives and staff to drive improvements. The provider had a range of checks in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service.