4 February 2020
During a routine inspection
Cedar House is a respite service providing short term accommodation and personal care and support for up to seven adults with physical and learning disabilities as well as people with autism. At the time of our inspection three people were using the service. There is also a small supported living group home for adults with learning disabilities who receive personal care. Five people were using this service at the time of our inspection.
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
Relatives of people using the respite service said their family member enjoyed their visits and staff were very responsive to their individual needs. Routine was important for some people to maintain their well-being and we were told staff were careful to maintain their routines. People receiving personal care in supported living, said they were happy and staff provided the care and support they needed.
People were protected from avoidable harm and abuse by staff who were alert to the signs of abuse and knowledgeable about the action to take if they identified a concern. Staffing levels were planned to take into account people’s individual needs. Medicines were managed safely and people told us staff ensured they received their medicines regularly.
Staff were supported to deliver effective care and received training to gain and further develop their knowledge and skills. They received regular supervision and appraisal.
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.
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. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
Staff were kind and caring and showed empathy and respect for the people they cared for. They protected people’s privacy and dignity, and supported them to express their views.
Staff were aware of each person’s needs and preferences and they received personalised care, tailored to their needs and wishes. People and families told us staff were flexible and willing to accommodate changes to their care and support needs. People were supported to maintain a healthy, varied and balanced diet. Staff worked with health and social care professionals to ensure people received coordinated and consistent care.
There was good leadership and management of the service. Quality audits were completed to monitor the service provided and identify areas for improvement. Staff and people using the service were able to express their views; they felt they were listened to and any concerns were addressed.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 06 October 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
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.