1a West Avenue

Updated 20 November 2020

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place. As part of CQC's response to the coronavirus pandemic we are conducting a thematic review of infection control and prevention measures in care homes.

The service was selected to take part in this thematic review which is seeking to identify examples of good practice in infection prevention and control.

This inspection took place on 06 November 2020 and was announced.

Updated 20 November 2020

What life is like for people using this service:

• People and their families enjoyed living at 1a West Avenue and felt safe and comfortable around staff who understood how to recognise and report abuse.

• Staff knew the risks to people’s health, safety and well-being and how to support them safely.

•People had access to support from staff when needed.

•Staff recruitment processes included a check of their background to review their suitability to work at the home.

•People received support with the medicines. Regular checks were undertaken to ensure people received the correct support by staff who were competent to support them.

•Staff understood and practised infection control techniques.

•The manager ensured people’s care was based on best practice and that people’s entitlement to care free of discrimination was maintained.

•Staff training was reviewed and updated so that people could have the correct support needed in relation to their care needs.

•People were offered choices in the food and drinks and healthy options were promoted.

•People were supported to attend healthcare appointments and advice from healthcare professionals was incorporated into people’s care.

•People’s consent was always sought before staff supported them.

•Relatives told us their family members independence was promoted and people were treated with dignity and respect.

• People were involved in planning their care with support from staff. Staff used people’s preferred ways of communicating, to facilitate this.

•Staff supported people to enjoy a range of activities which reflected people’s individual interests. •People were given assistance to they could keep in touch with relatives and friends who were important to them.

• People and their families understood how to complain if they wanted to.

• Staff felt supported by the manager and felt assured they could get the advice and guidance needed to support people.

• Staff worked together with the manager and families to ensure people’s care was continually monitored, reviewed and reflected people’s needs.

• The manager and staff worked together with other stakeholders to improve people’s experience of care. .

• We found the service met the characteristics of a “Good” rating in all areas; More information is available in the full report

Rating at last inspection: Good (19 April 2016)

About the service: 1a West Avenue is a is a residential care home, providing personal care and accommodation. There were three people living with either learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorders, or with physical disability, or sensor impairments at the time of the inspection. The service provides accommodation and personal care to younger and older adults.

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. The service remained rated Good overall.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.