About the service Upper Ford Lodge is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 10 people with autistic spectrum disorders and learning disabilities.
The home is split over three floors, has communal bathrooms, kitchen, lounges, and a large accessible garden.
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 consistently 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.
There were eight people living at the home on the day of the inspection.
People’s experience of this service and what we found
People looked happy and relaxed in the home. Relatives said their family member was safe and were happy with the service. Staff were trained in safeguarding, they understood and recognised the signs of abuse, and how to report it to keep people safe.
Potential risks to people had been identified and staff were knowledgeable in how to support people to reduce any risks. People were supported to have their medicines safely and checks were undertaken to ensure these were administered as prescribed. The risk of infections and accidental harm was reduced, as staff used the knowledge and equipment provided to do this.
People’s care continued to be reviewed with the person and their relative. People were encouraged to be independent with preparing meals and drinks and were supported to maintain a healthy well- balanced diet. Staff were engaged and worked well with health professionals following any advice and guidance given.
People said they were treated respectfully by staff and were given choices about their care and support. People were actively encouraged with their areas of interest and hobbies. Staff spoke passionately about their roles and the people that live in the home.
The home had a high level of engagement with relatives of the people and professionals. The registered manager and provider checked the quality of the care provided and encouraged suggestions from people and staff to improve people’s care further. The registered manager kept up to date with best practice developments, so they could develop the care provided further.
Staff were supported by management, and managers had a clear vision for the home and development. Staff were clear of their roles and responsibilities and told us they worked well as a team.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good. The last report was published 1 August 2017.
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.