The inspection took place on 8 March 2016 and was unannounced. The previous inspection was carried out in December 2013 and the service was compliant with the regulations at that time.Langdale House is registered to provide accommodation for up to 8 people with learning disabilities. There were 8 people living at the home at the time of our inspection.
Accommodation at the home is provided over two floors, which can be accessed by stairs.
Prior to our inspection we reviewed information from notifications.
At the time of our inspection there was no registered manager, however there was a new manager in post who was in the process of registering with the Care Quality Commission. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider.
Risk assessments were clear and staff understood individual risks to people. Staff engaged in safe practice and supported people to maintain their own safety. Staff understood procedures to follow where there may be concerns about people’s safety.
Accidents and incidents were clearly recorded and analysed to ensure people’s safety was being maintained.
Staffing levels were appropriate to meet people’s needs and we saw people received one to one support according to their care plans.
Staff demonstrated a clear understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) legislation and how this impacted upon people’s care.
Teamwork was evident and staff said they felt supported to carry out their role. There were regular opportunities for training and development, meetings and individual supervision.
People’s health needs were monitored and referrals to other professionals were made where necessary.
People were cared for by staff who engaged respectfully with them; people’s privacy and dignity was promoted and people were consulted and included within all aspects of their care and support.
Care records were person centred although some information within personal care plans was not always dated to show how current the information was or whether it had been reviewed.
Activities were based upon people’s individual needs and preferences. Where people needed structure and routine, staff supported them to ensure this was consistently in place.
People felt supported to complain if they were unhappy about any aspect of their care and there was clear evidence people’s concerns had been taken seriously and acted upon.
The new manager was visible in the service and outlined clear priorities for running the home. Quality assurance systems were in place and audits were regularly carried out.