9 August 2018
During a routine inspection
2005 and staff not consistently receiving regular training and supervision to enable them to carry out their duties.
The provider sent us an action plan in November 2016. This described what they were planning to do to comply with the regulations and improve in specific areas. At this inspection, we found that necessary improvements had been made.
Action on Hearing Loss at 29 & 30 Dominion Road 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.
Dominion Road can accommodate four people in two modified semi-detached houses. At the time of our inspection four people were living there. Dominion Road had four en-suite bedrooms upstairs, with communal living areas downstairs. This included a main open plan living and dining area, as well as a kitchen and garden. Office space and staff sleep-in facilities were also on the ground floor.
The service worked in line with the values that underpin the ‘Registering the Right Support’ and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
A registered manager was in post at the time of our inspection. 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.
Systems and processes were in place to protect people from the risk of harm. Staff were trained in safeguarding, and they told us about what they would do if they saw or suspected any harm or poor care at the service.
Staff were trained in a range of relevant subjects, although some training records required reviewing and updating. Staff received regular supervision and appraisals, and the staff we spoke with were enthusiastic about their roles and the service.
We found that safe recruitment and selection procedures were in place and sufficient staff were in post to meet people’s needs. Staff were skilled and experienced in their roles and they knew people well.
People were involved in a range of activities, and were encouraged to try new things to improve their quality of life. Staff supported people to be as independent as possible in carrying out a range of activities.
A complaints policy was in place, and people, staff and relatives all felt able to make a complaint or raise concerns. Most people said that they would do this informally through the registered manager, but relatives and staff were aware that a formal process was in place if needed.
Policies, procedures and checks were in place to manage health and safety. This included the management of incidents and accidents.
The provider had processes in place to ensure that medicines were stored safely and people received their medicines correctly.
Staff helped people to access healthcare appointments when necessary. Health and social care professionals were involved in people’s care, plans and reviews.
Care records were clear and reflected people's needs and preferences, as well as risks associated with their needs or care. These were reviewed and updated regularly to ensure they continued to meet people’s needs.
Staff spoke positively about the management of the service. The management team carried out regular checks to monitor, review and improve the quality of the care and support people received.