Oadby

Updated 26 September 2020

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

This inspection was carried out by one inspector

Service and service type

Heathcotes (Oadby) is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. This included notifications of incidents that occurred in the service which the provider is legally required to notify us about. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. This information helps support our inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with two people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager, regional manager and three care staff. We also spoke with two relatives and a social care professional by telephone to gather their views.

We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care plans and records and a variety of records relating to the management of the service.

Updated 26 September 2020

About the service

Heathcotes (Oadby) is an adapted residential care home. The service specialises in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, Asperger's syndrome and challenging behaviour.

The service was registered to provide support for up to eight people and there were eight people using the service at the time of our inspection. The service is larger than recommended by best practice guidance. However, we have rated this service good because the size of the service having a negative impact on people was mitigated by the building design fitting into the residential area and the other large domestic homes of a similar size. There were deliberately no identifying signs, intercom, cameras or anything else outside to indicate it was a care home. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were care staff when coming and going with people. People were encouraged to access the community and undertake person centred activities.

People's experience of using this service and what we found

People were supported to stay safe. Risks were identified and responded to. There was a system in place to report any incidents, including safeguarding concerns, which were analysed for any themes or trends.

Peoples' staffing requirements were assessed individually and met. People were supported by enough staff who knew them well. The environment was clean and good infection control procedures were followed.

People were supported by staff who understood the importance of utilising positive behavioural support and this was used in line with best practice guidance. Staff also worked with health and social care professionals to ensure the support provided met people's needs.

People had access to the foods they liked, and staff encouraged them to choose healthy options. Staff provided support and monitoring to protect people from the risk of poor nutrition and hydration. Staff were supported to provide good support through effective training and induction to the service, and on-going supervision. The environment had been adapted to meet the needs of the people including a sensory room and sensory garden area.

The provider had a clear vision which emphasised that people with a learning disability could, and should, be in control of their own lives. Staff demonstrated these values in their interactions with people. People were presented positively, and staff focused on people's strengths and abilities. People were supported in a manner which recognised their right to privacy and space.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

The registered manager provided good support for staff to be able to do their job effectively. The provider's quality assurance processes were effective and resulted in improvements to the service.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 2 August 2019) and there were four breaches of regulation. At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.