Background to this inspection
Updated
7 May 2022
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. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
This inspection was carried out by one inspector and one Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
The Briars House is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a 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
This inspection visit was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We gave the provider the opportunity to share this information as part of this inspection visit.
During the inspection
We spoke with two people who used the service and spent time observing people's interactions with staff. We spoke with the registered manager, the providers and two care staff. We also contacted five relatives of people using the service by telephone who shared their views about the care and support their family members received.
We reviewed a range of records. This included two people's care records and a sample of medicine records. We looked at four staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including quality assurance were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data, policies and procedures and maintenance action plans.
Updated
7 May 2022
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. 'Right support, right care, right culture' is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.
About the service
The Briars is a care home that accommodates up to seven people who have learning disability or people who are autistic. People have their own rooms, with shared communal areas including lounge, dining area and garden. At the time of our inspection there were six people living in the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Right Support
Staff supported people to have the maximum possible choice, independence and control over their lives. Staff focused on people's strengths and promoted what they wished to do, so people had a fulfilling and meaningful everyday life. People had a choice about their living environment and were able to personalise their rooms.
Staff supported people to take part in activities and pursue their interests in their local area and to interact with people who had shared interests. Staff enabled people to access routine and specialist health and social care support in the community to maintain their health and wellbeing. Staff supported people to make decisions following best practice in decision-making. Staff communicated with people in ways that met their needs. People's medicines were managed safely and regularly reviewed which enabled people to achieve the best possible health outcomes.
Right care
Staff promoted equality and diversity in their support for people. They understood and responded to people’s individual and diverse needs. People received kind and compassionate care. Staff protected and respected people’s privacy and dignity.
Staff understood how to protect people from poor care and abuse. The service worked with people, relatives and health and social care professionals to do so. Staff had training on how to recognise and report abuse and they knew how to apply it. Staff and people cooperated to assess risks people might face. Where appropriate, staff encouraged and enabled people to take positive risks. The service had enough appropriately skilled staff to meet people’s needs and keep them safe.
People could communicate with staff and understand information given to them because staff supported them consistently and understood their individual communication needs. People’s care plans reflected their range of needs and this promoted their wellbeing and enjoyment of life. People received care that supported their needs and aspirations, was focused on their quality of life, and followed best practice. People could take part in activities and pursue interests that were tailored to them. The service gave people opportunities to try new activities that enhanced and enriched their lives.
Right culture
People led inclusive and empowered lives because of the ethos, values, attitudes and behaviours of the management and staff. They received good quality care, support and treatment because trained staff could meet their needs and wishes.
Staff knew and understood people well and were responsive, supporting their aspirations to live a quality life of their choosing. Staff turnover was low, which supported people to receive consistent care from staff who knew them well. Staff placed people’s wishes, needs and rights at the heart of everything they did.
People and those important to them, including advocates, were involved in planning their care. The service enabled people and those important to them to work with staff to develop the service. Staff valued and acted upon people’s views. Staff ensured risks of a closed culture were minimised so that people received support based on transparency, respect and inclusivity.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating
The service was rated as requires improvement at the last inspection when the service was under previous ownership (published May 2019).
Why we inspected
Since our last inspection there had been a change of ownership of the home. We undertook this inspection to assess that the service is applying the principles of Right support right care right culture.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.