Grayling

Updated 16 March 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 the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) 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 25 February 2022 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours notice of the inspection.

Updated 16 March 2022

About the service

Grayling is a residential care home providing personal care to people with a learning disability and/or autism. The service can support up to four people in one adapted bungalow. At the time of this inspection four people lived at the service.

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.

The Secretary of State has asked the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to conduct a thematic review and to make recommendations about the use of restrictive interventions in settings that provide care for people with or who might have mental health problems, learning disabilities and/or autism. Thematic reviews look in-depth at specific issues concerning quality of care across the health and social care sectors. They expand our understanding of both good and poor practice and of the potential drivers of improvement.

As part of thematic review, we carried out a survey with the registered manager at this inspection. This considered whether the service used any restrictive intervention practices (restraint, seclusion and segregation) when supporting people.

The service used positive behaviour support principles to support people in the least restrictive way. No restrictive intervention practices were used.

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

People were happy and felt safe. Staff had an excellent understanding of people’s care and support needs. Support was provided by a consistent team of staff who were visible around the service. Positive, caring relationships had been developed.

People were looked after by staff who had the skills and knowledge to carry out their roles. Staff communicated effectively with relevant professionals to ensure people received healthcare support they required.

People were treated with dignity and respect and their independence was promoted. Staff spent time getting to know people and their life history. Staff understood the importance of understanding people’s abilities and working with them to achieve positive outcomes.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Choices people made were respected.

Systems were in place to continuously monitor the service. People felt they were listened to and their views respected. The service was responsive to people’s needs and the support provided had improved their well-being and independence. People and relatives were asked to provide feedback on the service provided which encouraged continuous improvements.

People and staff spoke positively of the management team. The service was well-run by an experienced registered manager. The registered manager attended regular forums and events to build relationships and share best practice. They were passionate about providing a high quality, effective service. The service had good links with the local community and other professionals to promote and improve people’s health.

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.

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 (last report published 21 April 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.