07 October 2015
During a routine inspection
Beechlawns is registered to provide accommodation for up to seven people who require accommodation and personal care. People who live there may have a range of needs which include learning disabilities. At the time of our inspection seven people were using the service. Our inspection was unannounced and took place on 7 October 2015. Our last inspection took place on 23 November 2013 and all the regulations were met.
The manager was registered with us as is required by law. 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.
People told us they felt confident that the service provided to them was safe and protected them from harm. Staff we spoke with were clear about how they could access and utilise the providers whistle blowing policy.
We observed there were a suitable amount of staff on duty with the skills, experience and training in order to meet people’s needs. People told us that they were able to raise any concerns they had and felt confident they would be acted upon.
People’s ability to make important decisions was considered in line with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
People were supported to take food and drinks in sufficient quantities to prevent malnutrition and dehydration. People were supported to access a range of health and social care professionals to ensure their health needs were met.
Staff interacted with people in a positive manner and used a variety of communication methods to establish their consent and/or understanding. Staff maintained people’s privacy and dignity whilst encouraging them to remain as independent as possible.
Staff were aware of how and when to access independent advice and support for people and assisted with this when required.
People were involved in the planning of care and staff delivered care in line with people’s preferences and wishes.
Information and updates about the service were made available to people in meetings and to relatives verbally. The complaints procedure was displayed in a clear and understandable format to maximise people’s knowledge and understanding of how to make a complaint.
People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the approachable nature and leadership skills of the registered manager. Structures for supervision allowing staff to understand their roles and responsibilities were in place.
Systems for updating and reviewing risk assessments and care plans to reflect people’s level of support needs and any potential related risks were effective.
Quality assurance audits were undertaken regularly by the provider. The registered manager had also ensured that checks on staff were undertaken periodically out of normal working hours.
Medicines were audited daily as they were distributed. There was a clear process for disposing of and recording medicines that were refused or not given.