The inspection took place on 12 June 2018 and was announced at short notice. Rochester House is care home. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Rochester House provides accommodation and or personal care for up to ten people with a learning disability, physical and sensory needs, including autistic spectrum disorder. The accommodation is provided in a house with access to garden areas. At the time of our inspection ten people were living at the service.
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
At our last inspection on 05 March 2016, we rated the service Good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of Good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
At this inspection we found the service remained Good.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC 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 continued to receive safe care; risks associated with people's care and support were managed safely. People’s care needs were fully assessed and people were involved in the planning of their care and making choices about their lives and routines.
The provider's policies, training and work practices of staff continued to keep people safe from abuse or harm.
People received their medicines when needed and there were suitable arrangements in place in relation to the safe administration, recording and storage of medicines.
There were sufficient numbers of staff, who had been recruited safely, to support people safely. Staff continued to minimise cross infection risks by following infection control guidance.
People continued to be effectively supported by staff who were trained and supported to meet their specific needs. Staff were supported through supervision and meetings which took place on a regular basis. Staff said they felt supported by the registered manager. Staff worked to the provider's vision and values.
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.
People had sufficient amounts to eat and drink and were supported to access other health professionals to manage their day to day health needs.
The accommodation was designed, adapted and decorated to meet people's needs and expectations.
People’s needs continued to be met by staff who were kind and respectful. People's privacy and dignity were promoted at all times.
Staff encouraged people to undertake activities and supported them to become more independent. Staff spent time engaging people in conversations, and spoke to them politely.
The service was responsive to people’s communication needs in a person-centred way.
People's care plans contained information about their personal preferences and focussed on individual needs. People and those closest to them were involved in regular reviews to ensure the support provided continued to meet their needs.
People's feedback was sought and used to improve the care provided.
There was an accessible complaints policy in place and people knew how to make a complaint.
The registered manager and provider regularly assessed and monitored the quality of care to ensure standards were met and maintained. Good practice information was shared by managers meeting and networking with management colleagues. Business development plans were based on improving people’s experiences of the service.
The registered manager understood the requirements of their registration with CQC.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.