Elliot Avenue

Updated 29 April 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 07 April 2021 and was announced prior to us entering the home, so we could ensure that measures were in place to support an inspection and manage any infection control risks.

Updated 29 April 2021

About the service

Elliot Avenue provides accommodation and personal care for up to five people with a learning disability, mental health support needs and/or autism. At the time of our inspection there were four people receiving support.

The service was a domestic style property that was similar to the surrounding properties. There were deliberately no identifying signs, to indicate it was a care home.

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.

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

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. However, best interest decisions were not always recorded appropriately.

People were safe at the service and there were enough staff to meet their support needs. Staff had a good understanding of people’s needs. However, we identified instances were documented guidance was not sufficiently developed to ensure people were supported in a consistent manner.

The provider had quality assurance systems in place. However, these had not identified gaps in documentation identified at this inspection.

Staff told us they received training and support to carry out their role. They felt supported by the registered manager.

People were supported to manage their medicines safely.

People lived in a clean environment which was appropriate for their needs.

People were supported to eat and drink enough throughout the day. The service worked well with other professionals to ensure people received the right support.

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. 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.

Professionals and relatives said they felt that staff were always kind and caring. Observations showed that staff were attentive to people’s needs.

People and relatives were encouraged to provide feedback regarding the quality of care provided.

People were supported to communicate their wishes and make decisions. Staff were knowledgeable about the most effective methods to support people to communicate.

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

Rating at Last Inspection

At our last inspection, the service was rated good (published on 31st March 2017).

Why we Inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor the service to ensure people receive safe, compassionate, high quality care. We will return to visit as per out re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.