21 June 2022
During a routine inspection
About the service
L'arche Preston provides personal care to people with learning disabilities and/or autism in a supported living service for up to seven people in a property named 'The Loom'. Accommodation is provided in self contained flats. There are both shared and single person flats on two floors. There are communal garden areas outside.
People's experience of using this service and what we found
Right support
People had not always been safe because the provider had not ensured all risks had been assessed and plans put in place to mitigate them. Not all staff had received training in moving and handling which meant there was a risk of harm. Not all external activities had been individually risk assessed which meant there had been a potential for harm during a holiday. Staff felt they were able to support people safely and found there was enough guidance in people's support plans.
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.
People were supported effectively by staff who understood their needs. The providers assessment processes involved people and their relatives in the development of their support plans which helped ensure they were holistic.
Right care
People received kind and respectful support from staff who were compassionate and committed to supporting people achieve their aims and wishes. Particular care was taken to engage with people and involve them in making decisions about important aspects of their life.
Right culture
People received bespoke care which reflected their individual experiences, culture and preferences. Person-centred plans included enough detail about what was important for each person which helped ensure their preferences had been respected. Activity timetables included a broad range of activities. People were actively involved in reviewing their goals and plans for the future.
Information about the service and how to raise concerns was provided in accessible formats, this helped ensure people were empowered to express their views and opinions.
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 registered at the previous premises was good. (Published 8 January 2020)
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of information we held about this service. We also undertook this inspection to assess that the service is applying the principals of Right support right care right culture.
Enforcement and Recommendations
We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to discharge our regulatory enforcement functions required to keep people safe and to hold providers to account where it is necessary for us to do so.
We have identified breaches in relation to the assessment and mitigation of risks. We have made a recommendation about the recording of medicines prescribed 'when required'.
Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.
Follow up
We will request an action plan for the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.