Acorn House - Bideford

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

People were kept safe from avoidable harm because the staff knew them well and understood how to protect them from abuse. Risk management considered people’s physical and mental health needs and showed that measures to manage risk were as least restrictive as possible. The number and skills of staff matched the individual care and support needs of people using the service. Staff were well trained and competent in their jobs. There were safe and effective recruitment and selection processes in place. People were supported by staff who followed systems and processes to prescribe, administer, record and store medicines safely.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

People were kept safe from avoidable harm because the staff knew them well and understood how to protect them from abuse. One person commented, "I am happy here, I feel safe." They went on to say that if they were concerned about anything, they would speak to the management. A relative commented, "I am very pleased with Acorn House and the support [relative] gets. He is very well looked after and well fed! The staff are brilliant. I have no concerns about [relative] living at Acorn House."

Staff demonstrated an understanding of what might constitute abuse and knew how to report any concerns they might have. For example, staff knew how to report concerns within the organisation and externally such as the local authority, police, and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Staff had received safeguarding training, to ensure they had up to date information about the protection of vulnerable people. The provider demonstrated an understanding of their safeguarding role and responsibilities. They explained the importance of working closely with commissioners, the local authority and relevant health and social care professionals on an on-going basis. There were clear policies for staff to follow. Staff confirmed that they knew about the safeguarding adults’ policy and procedure and where to locate it if needed.

People were not able to comment on their safety. However, their body language while interacting with staff was relaxed and positive, which indicated they felt safe.

Staff were trained to monitor, anticipate, and observe changes in behaviour. This helped them identify if people were unwell or upset and provide the support they needed.

People lived safely and free from unwarranted restrictions because the service assessed, monitored, and managed safety well.

The service worked in partnership with people to understand and manage risks. Information was provided in an accessible format according to their individual communication needs. This meant people could participate meaningfully in assessing risks and developing support plans. It created a positive culture where people could participate safely in a range of activities of their choosing.

Risk management considered people’s physical and mental health needs and showed that measures to manage risk were as least restrictive as possible. There were comprehensive risk assessments in place covering all aspects of the service and support provided. Support plans contained clear guidance for staff about how to recognise and manage risks, for example when people were experiencing emotional distress. People’s support and records were monitored and reviewed frequently. This meant any issues or improvements needed were identified and communicated to staff promptly. There were effective systems in place to ensure information about any changes in people’s needs was shared across the staff team. People were referred for support from external health professionals when this need was identified.

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The number and skills of staff matched the individual care and support needs of people using the service.

People were proactively supported by staff throughout our site visit. For example, accessing the community.

Staff received relevant and good quality training in evidence-based practice. This included training in the wide range of strengths and impairments people with a learning disability and or autistic people may have, mental health needs, communication tools and positive behaviour support. Staff had also completed nationally recognised qualifications in health and social care, including the Care Certificate, which encouraged them to provide safe, compassionate care. Staff received on-going supervision for them to feel supported in their roles and to identify any future professional development opportunities. Staff confirmed they felt supported by the registered manager. There were safe and effective recruitment and selection processes in place.

Staff felt well supported by the registered manager and felt confident to raise any concerns. The number and skills of staff matched the individual care and support needs of people using the service. People received support from a consistent staff team. This ensured people were able to build up trusting relationships with staff who knew their needs.

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Staff followed effective processes to assess and provide the support people needed to take their medicines safely. The service ensured people’s behaviour was not controlled by excessive and inappropriate use of medicines. Staff understood and implemented the principles of STOMP (stopping over-medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both) and ensured that people’s medicines were reviewed by prescribers in line with these principles. Staff reviewed each person’s medicines regularly to monitor the effects on their health and wellbeing and provided advice to people and carers about their medicines.

People were supported by staff who followed systems and processes to prescribe, administer, record and store medicines safely. Staff made sure people received information about medicines in a way they could understand.