About the service: Blythe House is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 10 younger adults who are living with a learning disability Ten people were living in the home on the day of the inspection. There were deliberately no identifying signs to indicate it was a care home. Staff were also discouraged from wearing clothing that suggested they worked on the premises. People’s experience of using this service: The provider safeguarded people from abuse. Staff recognised and reported concerns. Relevant risk assessments were completed. Accidents and incidents were monitored to identify and address trends and reduce risk.
People were supported to have their medicines safely. The service was involved in STOMP (stopping over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both with psychotropic medicines). People’s medicines had been reduced helping them stay well and have a good quality of life.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk.
There were enough staff to care for people. People asked for assistance from staff when they wanted it. Staff recruitment was safe and staff received the training they needed to develop the skills they required. Staff received regular supervision, an annual appraisal and delivered person-centred care.
People’s rights were protected. Staff gained consent before delivering care tasks. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support. 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.
People's communication preferences were supported and they made their own decisions. People spent their time doing things they enjoyed, which maximised their time spent in the local community. One person who wanted to work in retail had gained work experience in a national store and others had taken part in horse riding and winter sports.
Staff supported people to have enough to eat and drink. People had access to health care and support from other health and social care professionals, which ensured good health outcomes.
People's preferences and the views of their relatives were considered when care was assessed, planned and reviewed. End of life plans had been discussed and were in place for some people in the service.
There was an open culture. the registered manager was approachable. They addressed complaints to make improvements.
Rating at last inspection: Good (report was published 04 July 2016).
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.