Archived: RNID Action on Hearing Loss Ashley Phoenix Home

Updated 21 February 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 and an 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. The expert by experience’s area of expertise was working with people who have learning disabilities and physical and sensory impairments. The inspection team was supported by a registered sign language interpreter. This was because people living at the service and some staff communicated using different types of sign language.

Service and service type:

Ashley Phoenix Home is a ‘care home’ (without nursing). People in care homes receive accommodation and personal care. 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:

Before the inspection we reviewed the information we held about the service and the service provider. The registered provider had completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

We looked at the notifications we had received for this service. Notifications are information about

important events the service is legally obliged to send us within required timescales. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection, we looked at the care records of four people who use the service and four staff files. We reviewed daily notes and other documentation, such as the medication records of people who use the service.

In addition, we looked at records related to the running of the service. These included checks and audits, training records, meeting minutes and health and safety documents. We reviewed policies and procedures including safeguarding, whistleblowing, complaints, mental capacity, recruitment and medicines. We considered all of this information to help us to make a judgement about the service.

During the inspection we spoke with five members of staff and the registered manager. The people who used the service were unable to communicate with us about their experiences. We used a number of different methods such as undertaking observations to help us understand their experience of the service. After the inspection we spoke with the friends and family of five people who used the service.

Updated 21 February 2019

About the service: Ashely Phoenix Home is a care home. It was providing accommodation and personal care to eight people who are Deaf or Deafblind and who have additional complex needs at the time of the inspection.

People’s experience of using this service:

• People appeared happy and relaxed living at the service, and relatives told us staff were kind, caring and patient.

• Staff knew people well, and care and support was personalised and reflected people’s needs and preferences.

• People were protected from the risk of harm. Policies, procedures and checks were in place to protect people and staff.

• There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Safe recruitment practices ensured prospective staff were suitable to work in the service.

• People's medicines were administered as prescribed and managed safely by competent staff.

• Care records were clear and detailed. These were reviewed regularly to ensure they continued to meet people’s needs. Relatives told us they were consulted with and informed about people’s care.

• Staff received training in a range of relevant subjects, although some update training was required. Staff received regular supervision and appraisals and felt supported in their roles. They spoke positively about the management of the service.

• Regular checks and quality assurance systems were in place. Some frequent checks required more detailed recording. Action plans were in place to monitor and improve quality where needed.

• People were supported to make choices where possible and participate in activities which reflected their interests and preferences. People’s independence was promoted in day to day tasks.

• People accessed routine and specialist healthcare appointments, and relevant professionals were involved in care planning and regular reviews.

• The service worked in line with the values that underpin the ‘Registering the Right Support’ and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

• The service continued to meet the characteristics of Good in all areas; more information is in the full report.

Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 5 August 2016)

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 visit the service in line with our inspection schedule, or sooner if required.