Oak House

Updated 2 April 2021

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 coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 16 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 2 April 2021

About the service Oak House had a registration to provide personal care and accommodation to a maximum of four people. People who lived there may have a learning disability and/or autism. At the time of the inspection three people lived permanently at the home. Several people also used the service for short stays on a ‘one at a time’ basis so no more than four people used the service at any one time.

The service applied the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensured that people who used 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. People using the service received planned and co-ordinated person- centred support that is appropriate and is inclusive for them.

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

The provider had quality assurance systems in place and action had been taken to make improvements. However, several issues identified during the inspection had not been picked up by managerial observations or by in-house audits.

People felt safe and were supported by staff who knew how to protect them from avoidable harm. Overall, risks to people's health and well-being had been assessed and monitored to ensure they were kept safe. People received their medication as prescribed. Staff were recruited safely and there were enough staff to meet people's needs. The home was visibly clean and complied with infection control practices.

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 achieve the best possible outcomes including, independence and inclusion. People support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

Staff received induction training when they started working at the home. Training had been received by staff and refreshed in line with the provider's expected timeframes. People were supported by staff who knew them well. People made their own decisions about their care and were supported by staff who understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People's nutritional needs had been assessed and guidance was provided for staff about how to encourage people to maintain a healthy diet. Referrals were made to healthcare professionals where required to ensure people's health needs were met.

People and relatives told us staff were caring, kind and treated people with dignity and respect. People were encouraged to develop and maintain their independence skills. Visitors were made to feel welcome.

Assessment and reviews of people’s care and support needs were undertaken regularly or more frequently when it was required. People and/or their relatives were included in these processes to ensure all needs were determined and addressed. People told us they would feel comfortable to raise any complaints they had with the staff or registered manager. Relatives told us they were always kept up to date with important information relating to their family member and could contact the registered manager at any time.

People and relatives told us the service was well-led and spoke positively of the management team at the home. Provider feedback processes had been used to gather information about the views of people and relatives about the service provision. The registered manager understood their regulatory responsibilities and their requirement to provide us (CQC) with notifications about important events and incidents that occurred whilst the service was delivering care.

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 10 August 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.