Forty4

Updated 6 April 2022

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 COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at how services manage infection control and visiting arrangements. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection prevention and control measures the provider had in place. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.

This inspection took place on 16 March 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 20 hour’s notice of the inspection to ensure someone could be there to speak with us.

Updated 6 April 2022

Forty4 provides accommodation and personal care for up to six people living with a learning disability, physical disability, autism and/or mental health needs. The home is set back off a main road within walking distance of local shops and amenities. The accommodation comprises a large lounge/diner overlooking the garden and a kitchen. Bedrooms are split across the ground and first floor which are accessed by a central staircase and wheelchair accessible lift. At the time of our inspection six people were living at the home.

The inspection was unannounced and was carried out on 13 December 2017 and 5 January 2018 by one inspector.

Forty4 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.

There was a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the home. 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 home is run.

People were protected from abuse. Staff had received safeguarding training and understood their responsibilities to report any concerns. Relatives, staff and healthcare professionals told us they felt the home was safe.

People’s medicines were managed safely by staff who had been trained and assessed as competent in administering medicines. People received their medicines as prescribed.

Sufficient staff were deployed to meet people’s needs and keep them safe, including one to one and two to one support in the community. Robust recruitment procedures ensured only suitable staff were employed.

Individual and environmental risks relating to people’s health and welfare had been identified and assessed to reduce those risks. Contingency plans were in place to manage emergencies and evacuation procedures were in place and understood by staff if required.

People’s rights were protected because staff understood and followed the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Deprivation of liberty safeguards had been submitted to the local authority for authorisation when required.

People were supported to maintain their health and well-being and had access to health care services when required. People had a choice of nutritious food and drink that met their specific dietary needs and preferences.

Staff received training, supervision and appraisal which ensured they had the skills and competencies necessary to support people effectively.

Staff knew people well and empowered them to make choices and take control of their lives. People took part in a wide range of activities in line with their interests and which increased their skills and independence.

The provider met the Accessible Information Standards because staff communicated with people and provided information in a way they could understand, such as signs, pictures and symbols which helped them to make informed choices.

Staff were kind and caring, treated people with dignity and respect and ensured their privacy was maintained. People were encouraged to maintain family relationships and visitors were welcome at any time.

People and their relatives were involved in planning their care. People had up to date and detailed support plans which provided guidance for staff.

Systems were in place to monitor and assess the quality and safety of the care provided. There were opportunities for people and relatives to feedback their views about their care and this was used to improve the service.

Complaints procedures were available and displayed throughout the home in picture format. People and relatives knew who to speak to if they had a complaint.

There was a positive, supportive and open culture within the home. Staff felt supported and listened to by the registered manager and were involved in the development of the service. The registered manager understood their responsibilities and reporting of incidents to the commission.

We last inspected the service in March 2016 when we found no concerns and rated the service as good.