This inspection took place on 31 May 2016 and was unannounced. At our previous inspection no improvements were identified as needed.The Wheatlands is registered to provide accommodation with personal care to a maximum of nine people who have a learning disability, physical disability, sensory impairment or autistic spectrum disorder. There were seven people living at the home and two people staying with relatives on the day of our inspection.
A registered manager was in post and was present during our inspection. 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.
People were supported by staff who had received training in and understood how to protect them from any harm and abuse. Systems were in place for staff to follow which protected people and kept them safe but did not restrict what they wanted do. Staff knew how to and were confident in reporting any concerns they may have about a person’s safety.
Staffing levels were monitored and kept under review to ensure there were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs safely. Checks were completed on potential new staff to make sure they were suitable to work with people living at the home.
People were supported to take their medicines safely and when they needed them. Staff were familiar with people’s preferences on how they wanted to be supported with their medicines and these were respected. Systems were in place to monitor staff practice and only staff who had been trained were able to give medicines.
Staff had the skills and knowledge to understand and support people’s individual needs. These skills were kept up to date through regular training and staff were also supported in their roles by managers and their colleagues.
Staff asked people’s permission before they helped them with any care or support. People’s right to make their own decisions about their own care and treatment was supported by staff. Where people were unable to make their own decisions systems were in place to make sure these were made in their best interests by people who knew them.
People were supported to have a balanced diet and staff supported them to make their own choices about what they wanted to eat and drink. People’s routine health needs were monitored by staff and appointments made as necessary.
People were supported by staff who knew them well and had positive relationships with them. Staff made sure people were involved in their own care and made sure they understood information that was given to them. People were treated with dignity and respect and they were encouraged to maintain their independence as much as they were able to.
People received care that was individual to them and were supported to spend their time how they wanted to. Staff worked with people and their relatives to make sure they had a full and varied life and kept in contact with others who were important to them. Changes in people’s needs were recognised by staff and their support was adapted to meet these changing needs.
People and their relatives had opportunities to give their opinions on the service that was provided. They were kept up to date on what happened at the home and relatives thought communication with staff and management was good.
Staff created a positive environment within the home and worked for the benefit of the people who lived there. Systems were in place for the provider to monitor the quality of care provided and this was used to drive improvements at the home.