10 The Crescent is registered to provide accommodation with personal care for up to five people with learning disabilities. At time of the inspection four people were living at the home. The accommodation is provided in a semi-detached house, located in the village of Pewsey.The inspection took place over two days on the 7 and 8 April 2016 and was unannounced.
The service had a registered manager who was supported by a home manager in the day to day running of the service. 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. The provider told us the home had been managed by a home manager and was in the process of submitting an application to be the registered manager. The registered manager had a strong presence in the home on a daily basis.
Staff knew people’s individual communication skills abilities and preferences. There was a range of ways used to support people to communicate their wants and wishes. People were supported to follow their interests and take part in social activities. People were encouraged and supported to develop and maintain relationships with people that mattered to them and avoid social isolation.
Care plans were personalised and each file contained information about the person’s likes, dislikes and preferences. People’s needs were reviewed regularly and as required. Handover between staff at the start of each shift ensured important information was shared and acted upon where necessary.
People were protected against the risk of potential harm and abuse. Staff had the knowledge and confidence to identify safeguarding concerns and acted on these to keep people safe.
People were supported by sufficient staff with the right skills and knowledge to meet their needs. Safe recruitment practices were followed before new staff were employed to work with people. People’s needs were met by staff who had access to the training they needed. Training records for staff confirmed they received training on a range of subjects.
There were safe medicine administration systems in place and people received their medicines when required. Records confirmed people had access to health care professionals as required such as a GP, dentist and an optician.
People’s dietary needs and preferences were clearly recorded in their care plans. One person told us they liked the food and were able to make choices about what they had to eat.
The home manager, deputy manager and staff acted in accordance with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Where people did not have the capacity to make decisions themselves, mental capacity assessments were in place and records showed that decisions had been made in line with best interests. Where required Depravation of Liberty Safeguarding applications had been submitted by the provider.
The home manager investigated complaints and concerns. People and staff had confidence the home manager would listen to their concerns and would be dealt with appropriately. Relatives felt communication could be improved as they were not always kept up to date. People and their relatives were able to share their views on the service and knew how they could make a complaint. The provider had quality monitoring systems in place. Accidents and incidents were investigated and discussed with staff to minimise the risks of reoccurrence.