8 October 2015
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on 8 October 2015. 137 Bills Lane provides care and accommodation for up to four people with a diagnosis of a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder. The communal areas and one of the bedrooms was on the ground floor. The rest of the bedrooms were on the first floor. Three people lived at the service at the time of our visit.
There was a registered manager in post. 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.
There were sufficient staff to meet the needs of people, and to support people, who wanted to engage in activities outside the home. Staff received regular training, and new staff, were provided with a thorough induction to help them understand people’s needs and how to support people effectively.
Staff had received training in keeping people safe and understood their responsibility to report any observed or suspected abuse. Where risks associated with people’s health and wellbeing had been identified, there were plans to manage those risks. Risk assessments ensured people could continue to enjoy activities as safely as possible, access the community and maintain their independence.
Staff had received training to understand the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Where people’s freedom was restricted, the provider had applied to have this authorised by the local authority. This meant they complied with the DoLS legislation.
Staff were observed to be kind and considerate to people. They managed and supported people who had behaviours which challenged others, well.
People received a nutritious and balanced diet, and were involved in menu choices. People were referred to external healthcare professionals to ensure their health and wellbeing was maintained. Medicines were managed so that people received their medication as prescribed.
The leadership team had a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and provided good support to staff and the people who lived at the home.