We carried out a review of the data available to us about Athens House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Athens House, you can give feedback on this service.
Athens House is a residential care home providing personal care to up to 11 people. The service provides support to people with mental health needs. At the time of our inspection there were 10 people using the service.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. In this service, the Care Quality Commission can only inspect the service received by people who get support with personal care. This includes help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where people receive such support, we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection, 1 person was receiving personal care.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People felt safe and happy living at Athens House. Staff understood how to support people and completed risk assessments and care plans, which were reviewed regularly to ensure their needs were met. People lived in a safe, clean environment with suitable equipment and facilities. Prior to employing new staff the provider completed checks to make sure they were of suitable character to support people in as safe way.
Staff received training so they have the knowledge and skills to support people and their individual needs. This included training to administer medicines safely. People were involved in planning and making decisions about their care and support and could state their preferences for how this was provided. Staff knew people well and understood how their needs should be met in line with their preferences. The provider checked with people at regular intervals that the care and support they received was continuing to meet their needs and sought their views about how the service could be continuously improved.
Staff supported people in a dignified way which maintained people's privacy and independence. 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 took part in activities that reflected their interests and preferences. Relatives and friends were free to visit people without any unnecessary restrictions. The service had been designed and decorated to meet people's needs and people had a choice of comfortable spaces to spend time in.
The registered manager sought feedback from people, relatives and staff, and welcomed complaints and compliments and used this to drive improvements. The registered manager audited various aspects of the home including staff training, health and safety, and care plans. Staff worked in partnership with health and social care professionals.
For more information, please read the detailed findings section of this report. If you are reading this as a separate summary , the full report can be found on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
We registered this service on 05 August 2021 and this was the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.