Background to this inspection
Updated
11 January 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.
Inspection team
The inspection was completed by one inspector.
Service and service type
White Horse Care Trust - 24 Windermere is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as 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 an interim manager who was appointed as permanent manager of the service after the inspection was completed. The new manager planned to register with the Care Quality Commission. This meant the provider was legally responsible for how the service was run and for the quality and safety of the care provided at the time of the inspection.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because the service is small and people are often out and we wanted to be sure there would be people at home to speak with us.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
During the inspection
We met both people who used the service but were unable to speak with them about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with four members of staff including an area care manager, the service manager and two support workers. We reviewed a range of records. This included people’s care and support records and medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We received feedback from one professional who works with the service. We received feedback from both people’s relatives. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.
Updated
11 January 2020
About the service
White Horse Care Trust - 24 Windermere is a residential care home providing personal care to two younger adults with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder needs at the time of the inspection.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
The service was the same size and design as other domestic properties in the residential area. It was registered for the support of up to two people. This is in keeping with current best practice guidance. There were deliberately no identifying signs, intercom, cameras, industrial bins or anything else outside to indicate it was a care home. Staff did not wear a uniform when supporting people at home or when accessing the wider community with them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People felt safe and staff treated them with respect and dignity. People were comfortable and relaxed when interacting with staff and had formed positive relationships with them. Risks to people were managed through regular reviews and detailed support plans which included guidance from health professionals.
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. When restrictions were needed to maintain people’s safety, for example, when going out into the community, the least restrictive approach was taken. Arrangements made on people’s behalf were made in line with Mental Capacity Act requirements when people could not consent to decisions about their care.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. People’s wishes and support needs were reviewed regularly, with the staff member they chose to work with. Staff were committed to helping people achieve their goals and to ensuring people’s disabilities did not prevent them from living a fulfilled and happy life. People were supported to participate in activities they enjoyed and were interested in.
People's support focused on opportunities to gain new skills and become more independent. People were empowered to contribute and be independent as far as possible, for example through use of technology. People enjoyed regular trips out and had formed friendships with others they saw regularly. People were supported to maintain relationships with others who were important to them.
The registered manager had worked openly and transparently with outside agencies in response to concerns about the service in 2018. Improvements had been made to ensure this would not happen again.
The service was caring and person-centred. People using the service and the staff supporting them, were valued and listened to. The provider and registered manager understood their responsibilities and monitored the service to ensure any improvements needed were carried out.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.co.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was ‘Good’ (published 12 May 2017).
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 re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.