Background to this inspection
Updated
20 March 2019
The inspection:
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team:
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type:
8 -10 Newlands Cottages is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection:
The inspection was unannounced.
What we did:
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection in January 2018. This included details about incidents the provider must notify us about. We assessed the information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.
During the inspection, we spoke with three people to ask about their experiences of the care provided. We spoke with the registered manager and four members of staff. We reviewed care records for two people using the service. We checked recruitment records for one staff member and training and supervision arrangements for the staff team. We looked around the premises and at records for the management of the service including quality assurance systems, audits and health and safety records. We reviewed how medicines were managed and the records relating to this.
Following our inspection we spoke with three people’s relatives to ask their views about the service. The registered manager also sent us records we requested. This included results of quality assurance surveys, health and safety records, infection control audit, maintenance and redecoration plans, risk assessments and a summary of incidents/ accidents.
Updated
20 March 2019
About the service: Newlands Cottages provides personal care and support for up to four male adults with learning disabilities or autism. The accommodation is divided into two cottages. Three people live in one cottage and another person lives in the other. At the time of our inspection four people were using the service.
At the time of the provider’s registration, the care service had not been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. However, we found care was provided in line with these values which include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People living with learning disabilities and autism at Newlands cottages were supported to live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
People’s experience of using this service: Since our last inspection in January 2018, the provider had made the required improvements to address the previous two breaches of regulations. Risks to people’s health and wellbeing had been more fully assessed and staff had the information they needed to support people and keep them safe. Arrangements for staff training had improved to ensure that people received appropriate care and support. In addition, a registered manager had been recruited and people, relatives and staff spoke positively about how management of the service had improved.
People received support from staff who were trained and supported to carry out their role. There were enough qualified and skilled staff at the service and staff worked flexibly to meet people’s needs. This meant people received their care and support when they needed it. The provider followed an appropriate recruitment process to employ suitable staff.
Newlands Cottages was kept clean and health and safety checks were carried out to make sure people lived in a safe environment. Although there had been home improvements, parts of the premises remained in need of redecoration or repair. The provider had a refurbishment plan to improve these areas and people were involved in deciding on the changes, for example, choosing a new kitchen and paint colours for redecoration.
Staff knew how to recognise and report any concerns they had about people’s care and welfare and how to protect them from abuse. Medicines were managed safely and people had their medicines at the times they needed them.
People were supported to be healthy and their healthcare needs were monitored to help keep them safe and well. The staff worked with and referred people to other health care service to support people’s wellbeing. Where people needed support with their emotional needs, relevant health and social care professionals were involved.
People were involved in planning and preparing their meals according to their choices. They took part in activities they were interested in and staff encouraged people to try new ones.
Staff promoted and respected people's diversity and lifestyle choices. Care plans were personalised and provided staff with guidance about how to support people and respect their wishes. Information was made available in accessible formats to help people understand the care and support agreed.
People were encouraged to remain as independent as possible and develop their skills. Support plans recorded what was important to the person and were current. Where people's needs changed, the provider responded and reviewed the care provided.
People were supported to have choice in their daily lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff showed understanding, patience and people were treated with respect and dignity.
People were involved in the running of the service and were consulted on key issues that may affect them. The provider used a range of audits and checks to monitor and assess the quality and safety of the service. Where issues were identified, action was taken to improve the care and support people received.
The service worked in partnership with other agencies for the benefit of the people living there.
We found the provider had taken action to meet legal requirements and the service has met the characteristics of Good in all areas. For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection: Requires Improvement (report published 7 March 2018).
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor the service through the information we receive. We will inspect in line with our inspection schedule or sooner if required.