Milestones

Updated 31 October 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 comprehensive inspection took place on 5 October 2017 and was announced. The provider was given 72 hours’ notice because people are often out of the care home with staff and we needed to be sure that someone would be in. The inspection was carried out by one inspector. We spoke with two people using the service, the new manager and a member of staff. In addition we reviewed records for two people using the service, toured the premises and examined records relating to staff recruitment, staff training and the management of the service. Following the inspection we spoke with a member of staff and a person’s relative on the telephone.

Before the inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We also reviewed information we have about the service including notifications. A notification is a report about important events which the service is required to send us by law.

Updated 31 October 2017

Milestones is a residential care home for four people with learning disabilities. At the time of our inspection there were four people using the service.

At the last inspection on 30 April 2015, the service was rated Good. At this announced inspection we found the service remained Good.

We found improvements to staff recruitment procedures and to records about people’s medicines.

We heard positive comments about the service such as, “I like living at Milestones.” and “A nice place to work.”

Staff and management understood how to protect people from harm and abuse. Risks to people's safety were identified, assessed and appropriate action taken.

People were supported by a small staff team who had training and support to maintain their skills and knowledge to meet their needs. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

People were treated with dignity, respect and kindness and were involved in the planning and review of their care and support. People were supported to maintain and develop their independence.

People received individualised care which reflected their personal preferences, wishes and routines. There were arrangements to investigate and respond to complaints.

Quality checks were made with the aim of improving the service in response to people's needs.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.