Ellasdale Road

We found the following examples of good practice.

Staff had supported people to understand the COVID-19 pandemic and the reasons for the restrictions in place. A relative told us, “When we did see (name of person) we talked about the virus and I could tell he understood. He wasn't thrown by it. That just proves they were obviously explaining things in a way he would understand. It definitely helped to keep him on an even keel.”

People had been supported to continue an active lifestyle, despite the restrictions caused by the pandemic. Staff accompanied people to access the community and go for walks and new activities, such as online Zumba, had been trialled.

Relatives spoke positively about the care provided and the way the home had communicated with them throughout the pandemic. One relative told us, “The communication has been excellent. They are very open.” Another said, “They have done whatever they can to make it possible for us to visit and I have every confidence.”

Relatives had recently been able to resume visits. There were clear procedures in place, including testing, temperature checks and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE). A lounge area had been made available for visits, which were by appointment. When visiting had not been possible, people had been supported to keep in touch via telephone and video calls. One relative told us, “They did their utmost to facilitate how we kept in touch with (name of person).” Another said, “They have been brilliant, I can't praise them enough.”

Staff felt supported. There was a provider funded external counselling line that staff could access free of charge. The acting manager was a counsellor and used counselling skills to support or signpost staff as appropriate. One staff member told us, “If I do need help I talk to (acting manager) and he is very supportive.”

The provider had a clear and user-friendly infection prevention and control policy, which included links to additional guidance. There were clear procedures in place, which were understood and followed by staff. All staff had received additional training to support them in their roles during the pandemic.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism who used the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

Ellasdale road provides accommodation and personal care for up to six people who have learning disabilities and some associated physical and/or sensory disabilities. Each person had a large bedroom with shared bathroom facilities.

This is the service’s first inspection. They were previously registered under a different provider; however, the same people were living at the service and most staff had continued their employment with this provider.

The service had a registered manager. 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.

Although quality audits were completed regularly, they had not identified some inconsistencies we found. Mental capacity documentation did not reflect the views of the person or how the decision was made that they lacked capacity. Some people whose support needs involved restrictive practises, did not have mental capacity assessments specific to these.

People were safe. There were detailed and person-centred risk assessments for people and the environment to ensure they and the building remained safe. People received their medicines from competent and trained staff in the way they were prescribed. Staff had a good knowledge and understanding about potential risks and were aware of the process to follow if they suspected anyone was at risk of abuse. We found accidents and incidents were responded to in a timely way and actions taken to ensure they did not reoccur. Staff were recruited safely and there were suitable numbers to meet people’s needs.

Staff had the skills and knowledge to support people and meet all their needs. They received an in-depth induction into the service and company, where they learned about people, their preferences and routines. Further support was provided in regular training, supervisions, appraisals and team meetings. People’s nutritional and health needs were met. Where concerns were identified, additional support was sought from health and social care professionals.

Everyone we spoke to felt that staff were kind and caring. We observed interactions between people and staff to be warm and genuine. It was clear that staff enjoyed working with people. People's dignity, independence and privacy was promoted. Staff knew people, their preferences and support needs well.

Care plans were tailored to individual needs and highlighted areas where additional support was required. People had their own key-worker; this was a named member of staff who had a central role in their lives and would oversee their support needs and care plans. Staff knew people’s communication and emotional support needs very well. People had their own individual activity timetables that were person centred to their interests and hobbies. They had control over what they wanted to do each day. People’s wishes and goals were linked in with activities and regularly reviewed with people. No formal complaints had been raised, however there was a clear and accessible complaints policy and relatives told us they had no concerns raising issues.

Staff, relatives and professionals spoke highly of the registered manager and felt they were professional, supportive and a strong leader. There was a strong emphasis on working together to achieve mutual goals and an open, transparent, supportive culture was promoted.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.