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 using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen. However, the right support and best practice was not always promoted.28 Stamford Avenue is a residential care home for nine people who have a learning disability and some who have a mental health diagnosis. There were nine people living at the home at the time of this inspection.
The home consisted of four flats. Three of the flats were shared and people had their own personalised bedroom with shared bathrooms/shower facilities, lounge, dining area and kitchen. The registered manager’s office is located on the ground floor.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.
Infection control measures were not always followed by staff to ensure people were safe.
There were not always enough staff to support people’s needs.
People were not always supported to pursue social interests and take part in meaningful activities relevant to their needs, both at the home and in the wider community.
Audits did not always have action plans and some audits were not always accurate.
Records in care plans had not always been updated and did not reflect accurately people’s needs.
Staff received training in how to safeguard people from abuse and knew how to report concerns, both internally and externally.
The provider had safe and effective recruitment practices to help ensure that all staff were suitably qualified and experienced.
Staff had developed positive and caring relationships with the people they cared for and knew them very well.
Plans and guidance had been drawn up to help staff deal with unforeseen events and emergencies.
Trained staff helped people to take their medicines safely and at the right time.
People and relatives were positive about the skills, experience and abilities of staff who worked at the home. They received training and refresher updates relevant to their roles and had regular supervision meetings to discuss and review their development and performance.
People were supported to maintain good health and had access to health and social care professionals when necessary.
Staff obtained people’s consent before providing personal care and support, which they did in a kind and compassionate way.
The confidentiality of information held about people’s medical and personal histories were securely maintained throughout the home.
Care was provided in a way that promoted people’s dignity and respected their privacy. People received personalised care and support that met their needs.
Staff were knowledgeable about people’s background histories, preferences, routines and personal circumstances.
Complaints were recorded and responded to in line with the service policy.
People, relatives and staff were complimentary about the registered manager and how the home was run and operated.