The Care Quality Commission
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Archived: Dimensions 7 Wychwood Close

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

7 Wychwood Close, Sonning Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 9SN (0118) 972 2678

Provided and run by:
Dimensions (UK) Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See old profile

All Inspections

6 & 8 October 2014

During a routine inspection

Dimension 7 Wychwood Close is registered to provide accommodation and support for three people with learning disabilities or who may have autism spectrum. On the day of our visit there were two people living in the service. During this inspection we looked at the care provided to people living at the home.

This was an unannounced inspection on 6 and 8 October 2014.

The registered manager had been registered since January 2014. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Staff were aware of their responsibilities to keep people safe and report allegations of abuse. However, we found there were some areas that had the potential of placing people at risk of harm. Documents did not always record actions taken when injuries were found. There were sufficient staff to provide care and support to people who used the service. Risk assessments were put in place to manage identified risks and were regularly reviewed. Staff were appropriately trained to handle, administer and keep medicines secure.

Staff demonstrated a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and obtained consent before carrying out care and support. This was observed during our visit. Care plans evidenced how people were involved in making decisions about the care and support they received. We found the service met the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

An observation of the weekly menu planning meeting showed people were involved and actively encouraged with the use of pictorial cards showing different meals, to choose what they wanted to eat. Throughout the inspection people were offered drinks but were also supported to prepare drinks for themselves.

Health action plans recorded appointments people had with health and social care professionals such as general practitioners (GP), opticians, dentists and the outcomes. Dates for yearly reviews with GPs and other health professionals were also noted on a yearly planner.

At the time of our inspection the home was not providing end of life care. However, the registered manager told us they had been providing end of life care to one person who passed away a few months ago. We received positive feedback from social care professionals, who told us staff were thoughtful and dealt with people sensitively.

Staff were updated on relevant changes in practices and procedures and signed to confirm they had read and understood the changes made.

We found a breach of Regulation 20 (1) (a) Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010. You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of this report.

8 October 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with two of the three people who use the service. They indicated their responses or gave us short verbal comments. We were unable to talk with any relatives as they were unavailable at the time of our inspection. We talked with the registered manager, a support worker and a lead support worker at the service.

We observed staff regularly checked with people to ensure they supported them as they wished. One staff member said 'I explain to people what we plan to do, and ask them if they're happy to be supported like that.'

People's care needs were met. Staff identified health changes, and ensured people were appropriately supported by liaising with GPs, occupational health staff and other health providers. People told us they discussed their care needs and wishes with staff, and we found this reflected in people's care plans. A support worker told us 'We note what's working and what's not.'

The service completed and recorded checks and servicing to ensure equipment was well maintained. Staff told us they were trained to use specialist equipment such as the bath hoist, and we saw the provider conducted assessments to ensure staff used equipment safely.

Staffing levels were sufficient to meet the needs of the people who use the service. People were able to attend activities as they wished. We observed staff were not rushed. They had time to spend chatting individually with each person, providing emotional support and care.

The provider conducted quality audits to ensure care was provided in accordance with their policies and procedures. Issues identified were addressed. People's views were sought, and we saw their wishes were taken into account.

5 January 2013

During a routine inspection

We used a number of different methods to help us understand the experiences of people who use the service because some people had complex needs and they were unable to tell us their experiences.

We spoke with three people who use the service and they told us they liked living at the home. One person said, "I like the staff, they make me feel happy".

We looked at the risk assessments and care plan for one person. We were able to see staff had recorded risks about the person and an appropriate care plan was evident.

Care workers were able to explain how the staff, manager and provider had ensured the safety of people who use the service. This meant people were protected from harm and the risk of abuse when appropriate.

We saw the provider had appropriate measures for people to be able to report complaints and concerns. For example, in each person's folder we saw pictorial and written instructions about how to raise concerns.