We carried out a review of the data available to us about Outlook Care - Summit Road 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 Outlook Care - Summit Road, you can give feedback on this service.
At our last comprehensive inspection in September 2015 the service was rated ‘Good’. At this inspection we found the service remained good but we made a recommendation in relation to staff training.
Staff had not always received refresher training to support them to carry out their roles effectively. The provider’s quality monitoring procedures did not highlight this issue.
People were protected from the risk of potential abuse. Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding procedures and knew what to do if they had concerns about the service. People were protected from risks to their health and wellbeing because risk assessments to guide staff were accurate and provided staff with sufficient detail about how to manage specific risks.
Medicines were well managed and there were enough staff to meet people's needs.
Newly appointed staff were supported in their role by an induction period. Staff developed caring relationships with people using the service and respected their diversity and dignity.
People were supported to get enough to eat and drink and people had access to healthcare professionals.
People and their relatives were involved in planning their care and care records included information about people's likes and dislikes and promoting their independence. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
There was a positive and open culture at the service.
Outlook Care - Summit Road is a fully accessible residential care home for people with a learning disability and complex needs. At the time of inspection there were six people using the service which is the maximum number of people the service can accommodate. There was a registered manager at the service. 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.
We found safe recruitment checks were in place for new staff. Criminal records update checks had not been completed for all staff to ensure they remained safe to work with people. However, the provider told us they were in the process of obtaining these updates. Staff were knowledgeable about the procedures relating to safeguarding and whistleblowing. Risk assessments were carried out and management plans put in place to enable people to receive safe care. There were effective systems in place to check and maintain the safety and suitability of the premises and these were up-to-date. Medicines were managed and administrated in a safe way in accordance with the systems in place.
The provider had a system of supervision and appraisals for staff to ensure good quality care was consistently provided. Staff had opportunities for training and skill development. The registered manager was knowledgeable about the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People had mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions as part of their care plan so that staff were working within legislation requirements.
People’s representatives told us staff were caring. Staff were knowledgeable about promoting people’s privacy and dignity and worked with people in a caring manner. People were encouraged to maintain their levels of independence.
Care was provided in a personalised way and staff were aware of what people’s preferences were. There were a range of activities on offer for people to take part in. People’s representatives knew how to raise concerns or make a complaint and these were responded to within the timescales set in the provider’s policy.
The provider had systems to monitor the quality of the service provided and had several forums for staff or family members to attend to help them find ways to improve. Staff attended regular team meetings to receive updates on the service and to ensure consistent good quality care was provided to people.
Relatives told us, "The staff are so nice, really kind. I can't praise them enough" and "I think they're marvellous and they do a fantastic job."
We found that people's capacity to consent to care had been assessed and relatives confirmed they were involved when people were not able to consent. One relative said "They don't make my relative do anything - they don't force anyone."
Assessments and care plans were up to date. We observed care being carried out as stipulated in care plans. People were being supported to take part in activities throughout our visit. One relative told us their family member had become more independent since living at the home and did things they had never done before.
The service employed a coordinator to facilitate cooperation with other providers. We found evidence that other providers had input into people's care plans and expert advice had been taken into account. We found that referrals and assessments had been made for appropriate mobility equipment and there was evidence that equipment was tested and serviced regularly.
There were effective recruitment procedures and appropriate checks made before staff started work.
Records were stored securely and were generally accurate and fit for purpose, although daily notes had not always been completed.
The service provided appropriate support in a sensitive manner to the people using it who had significant and complex physical and learning disability needs. The general standard of care provided was good and reflected people's individual choices and wishes. However, there were some maintenance and fire safety issues and that need attention to prevent future non-compliance. Care plans, including capacity and risk assessments need to be regularly reviewed and clearly reflect how and why decisions to purchase some specialised health care equipment from people's personal monies were being made. Staff may need refresher training to ensure this.