• Care Home
  • Care home

Lansdowne Road (67-71)

Overall: Requires improvement read more about inspection ratings

67-71 Lansdowne Road, Aylestone, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 8AS (0116) 283 4025

Provided and run by:
Lansdowne Road Limited

All Inspections

19 September 2023

During an inspection looking at part of the service

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

Lansdowne Road (67-71) is a residential care home providing personal care for up to 26 people with a learning disability and or autism. At the time of the inspection, 25 people were living the service.

People's experience of using this service and what we found

Right Support: People’s support plan and risk assessment guidance provided to staff of actions required to manage and mitigate known risks, were not consistently followed by staff. Guidance for staff was also limited in places, however, action was being taken to make improvements and was ongoing.

Incident management procedures such as de-brief meetings and incident analysis to support learning opportunities needed to improve. Physical intervention was used as a last resort, whilst staff had recently received enhanced training, they were not sufficiently confident. Further training and support were required.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service did not support this practice.

Cleaning of the environment needed improving in some areas, to ensure effective infection prevention and control measures.

Right Care: The service had enough staff deployed to meet people’s individual needs and keep them safe. Staff had been recruited safely.

People, relatives, and external professionals provided positive feedback on the staff’s approach to care and support.

People were supported to lead active and fulfilling lives, there was a person centred approach, independence was promoted, and staff supported people effectively to achieve positive outcomes.

Right Culture: The provider’s systems and processes to monitor quality and safety were found to be ineffective. A recent internal action plan had been developed to address the required improvements identified by a local authority visit. Whilst this advised overall actions had been completed and signed off, we identified continued shortfalls.

Staff had received training for working with autistic people and people who have a learning disability. Staff meetings and supervisions were held and provided an opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions. Staff were positive about working at the service.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rated inspection for this service was good (published 4 March 2018).

Why we inspected

We received concerns in relation to the management of medicines and people’s care and support needs. As a result, we undertook a focused inspection to review the key questions of Safe and Well-led only.

The overall rating for the service has changed from good to requires improvement based on the findings of this inspection.

We have found evidence that the provider needs to make improvements. Please see the Safe and Well-led sections of this full report.

The registered manager took some immediate actions to mitigate risks.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ Lansdowne Road (67-71) link on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.

Enforcement

We have identified a breach in relation to governance procedures at the service. Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.

4 February 2022

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Landsdowne Road (67-71) accommodates up to 26 people living with a learning disability, and or autism across four separate units, each of which have separate adapted facilities.

We found the following examples of good practice.

People had been supported to maintain contact with friends, families and advocates during the pandemic. Visits were in line with government guidance and included, face to face, window visits and contact via telephone and Skype.

The provider ensured visitors to the service provided a negative COVID-19 test result and had their temperature taken and completed a COVID-19 screening questionnaire before they entered. Professional visitors were required to show their COVID-19 vaccination passport. All visitors wore personal protective equipment (PPE) and regularly washed or sanitised their hands.

Staff and people using the service were participating in the COVID-19 testing and vaccination programme. COVID-19 related risk assessments had been completed in relation to the environment, staff and people to reduce risks.

Staff received ongoing infection prevention and control training and COVID-19 government guidance updates. The registered manager and provider supported staff through regular staff meetings, supervision and an employee assisted well being service was available.

There were sufficient stocks of PPE and staff were observed to be wearing PPE as required during our visit. Cleaning schedules were in place to confirm cleaning practices used, and this including the cleaning of high touch areas.

People were supported to isolate in their bedrooms when required and consideration in relation to shielding and social distancing had been taken to protect people.

7 August 2020

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Landsdowne Road (67-71) is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The care service has been developed and designed 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.

Landsdowne Road (67-71) accommodates up to 26 people across four separate units, each of which have separate adapted facilities. One of the units, the Cedar unit currently specialises in providing care to people with autism, and the Elm and Aspen units for a focus on daily living skills to transition to independent living.

We found the following examples of good practice.

Track and trace communication sheets have been introduced for all visitors including professionals as well as family members.

The registered manager has commenced a process to introduce face mask photograph’s alongside ‘normal’ staff photos on the communication board.

Visits by professionals are well planned in advance. Visiting staff are prompted to observe social distancing, the regular changing of Personal Protective Equipment and disinfection of equipment between each person being tested.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

28 December 2017

During a routine inspection

The inspection took place on 28 December 2017 and 3 January 2018, only the first visit was unannounced.

Landsdowne Road (67-71) is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The care service has been developed and designed 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.

Landsdowne Road (67-71) accommodates up to 26 people across four separate units, each of which have separate adapted facilities. One of the units, the Cedar unit currently specialises in providing care to people with autism, and the Elm and Aspen units for a focus on daily living skills to transition to independent living. There are enclosed gardens to the rear of the service. People living at the home have a learning disability, which may include a mental health disorder. At the time of our inspection there were 24 people who lived at the home.

At the last inspection on 15 September 2015 the service was rated Good.

At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

At the last inspection we asked the provider to take action as some moving and handling practice was not considered to be safe. At this inspection we found people were safe and moved around the service independently and assisted safely by staff. People using the service were from a number of cultures which was reflected by a diverse staff group.

People and their relatives felt staff were kind and caring. People felt their privacy and dignity was respected in the delivery of care and their choice of lifestyle. Relatives that commented were complimentary about the staff and the care offered to their relatives.

People were aware of their care plans and they were involved in care plan reviews, when necessary relatives were include as well. Staff offered people everyday choices and respected their decisions. People had their care and support needs assessed and were involved in the development of their care plan. Staff had access to people’s care plans and received regular updates about people’s care needs. Care plans included changes to peoples care and treatment, and people attended routine health checks.

People were provided with a choice of meals that matched their cultural and dietary needs. Staff ensured people were able to maintain contact with their family and friends and visitors were welcome without undue restrictions. There were sufficient person centred activities provided on a regular basis. People and their relatives felt they could raise any issues with the acting manager or staff.

Staff were subject to a thorough recruitment procedure that ensured staff were qualified and suitable to work at the service. All the staff received a training induction and then on-going training for their specific job roles. Staff were informed about; and were able to explain how they kept people safe from abuse. Staff were aware of whistleblowing and what assistance was available from external bodies to report suspected abuse on to, and follow up alleged incidents. Staff were available in adequate numbers to meet people’s personal care needs.

People, their relatives and staff felt they could make comments or raise concerns with the management team about the way the service was run and were confident these would be acted on.

There was a clear supportive management structure within the service, which meant the staff were aware of who to contact out of hours. The provider undertook quality monitoring in the service and was supported by the acting manager and staff. Staff were aware of the reporting procedure for faults and repairs and had access to maintenance services and manage any emergency repairs.

The provider had developed opportunities for people to express their views about the service. These included the views and suggestions from people using the service and their relatives. We received positive feedback from the local authority with regard to the care and service offered to people.

15 September 2015

During a routine inspection

This inspection took place on 15 September 2015 and was unannounced.

Lansdowne Road is registered to provide residential care and support for 26 people with a learning disability who present behaviours which challenge us and may in addition have autism and needs related to their mental health. At the time of our inspection there were 24 people using the service.

Lansdowne Road had a registered manager in post. 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Staff told us that training had helped them to understand the needs of people, which included their right to make decisions about their day to day lives. Staff were confident that if they had any concerns about people’s safety, health or welfare then they would know what action to take, which would include reporting their concerns to the registered manager or senior managers.

Staff had received training which reflected the needs of people who used the service which enabled them to provide care in a safe manner. This included supporting people when their behaviour became challenging and through the appropriate support for people who required support with their mental health. We found people received their medication in a timely and safe manner by staff that had been trained in the administration of medication.

Our discussions with staff told us that they received on-going support and development through supervision, appraisal and the accessing of training. The training staff accessed reflected the needs of people who used the service which meant people received effective care and support. Records confirmed staff had received training in a wide range of topics.

People were protected under the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DoLS) we found that appropriate referrals had been made to supervisory bodies where people were thought to not have capacity to make decisions. Staff we spoke with spoke about their role in supporting people to maintain control and make decisions which affected their day to day lives and told us how this was a key part of their role when supporting people.

People’s health and welfare was promoted and they were referred to relevant health care professionals in a timely manner to meet their health needs.

We observed positive and supportive relationships between people who used the service and staff. People were comfortable and relaxed in the company of staff and shared laughter and conversation with them. We noted staff supported people in a timely manner, which included supporting them when they became anxious. We observed people being encouraged to make decisions about their day and records showed people’s comments and views were documented in daily records and within the minutes of meetings.

A range of documents had been produced in an ‘easy read format’, which used pictures and symbols to assist in people’s understanding of the information. However we found that the minutes of meetings, whilst being provided in this format contained words and phrases that did not reflect the ‘easy read’ style and therefore had the potential to exclude people from the information. This was discussed with the registered manager who told us this would be addressed.

People we spoke with were confident that any concerns they had would be responded to appropriately and knew who the registered manager was. Records showed that the service within the last twelve months had received one complaint which had been investigated and acted upon.

The attitude of the registered manager and staff showed they were enthusiastic about their work and committed to providing the best possible care for all those who used the service. All were aware of each person’s individual needs. Staff appeared caring, friendly and talked about their work and were well informed about those using the service.

There were effective systems in place for the maintenance of the building and equipment which

ensured people lived in an environment that was maintained and safe. Audits and checks were effectively used to ensure people’s safety and needs were being met, as well as improvements being made as required. People’s representatives and staff had the opportunity to influence the service, which enabled the provider to review and develop the service.

10 July 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with four people who used the service and asked them for their views about the care and support they received. People told us: 'I like to go out to the local caf' by myself, I've lived here a long time and I am happy here.' 'I like going out. I'm going out later to the shops with (staff name).' 'We're all looked after here and the staff are nice.'

People's care and support plans had a strong emphasis on promoting the independence of people and their right to make decisions about their daily lives. People met regularly with their key worker to review and discuss their care and support plan. People were supported to make decisions about their daily lives and we saw people accessing a range of community based activities, whilst some people remained at the service and were supported to take part in activities within the service which included cooking. People in some instances received one to one support.

We spoke with staff and found they had a good understanding as to the needs of people and they spoke with us about the support they provided. Records showed staff had undergone a robust recruitment process and had received and continued to receive training which enabled them to meet the needs of people.

11 September 2012

During a routine inspection

We spoke with four people who live at Lansdowne Road and asked them for their views and experiences of living at the home. People told us they were involved in decisions about their daily lives and that they were supported by staff to manage their lives and make decisions. People's comments included: - 'I decide what I want to do and when. I enjoy going out to the local cafe with my friend to eat.' 'I go out by myself; I catch the bus and visit my boyfriend at the weekends.' 'I like going out, we've just been on a day trip to Drayton Manor, I don't like staying in as I get bored.'

We found people living at the home were supported to access the community, taking part in social and recreational activities. We also saw staff supporting people when they became anxious and upset consistent with guidance as recorded within their support plans. People living at the home were encouraged to ask questions about visitors and were introduced to them and were included in conversations wherever possible. People we spoke with told us they had the opportunity to attend meetings where they talked about issues which affected them as a group and individually and that they were confident to speak with staff.

10 November 2011

During an inspection looking at part of the service

People we spoke with told us that there had been improvements to the environment. People in some instances were able to tell us the colour scheme of their bedroom which they had chosen. One person proudly showed us the new kitchen that had been fitted.

16 March 2011

During a routine inspection

We asked people who use the service if they felt that their respect and dignity was maintained, responses included, 'yes it's great here, I am very happy, the staff are great.' People who use the service also stated, and records showed, that people were fully involved in the decision making process, which included consent to the content of their care plans. A visitor to the home stated that she was fully informed about the care provided to her relative and confirmed that she was fully involved in the review process of her relatives' care plans and risk assessments.

People who use the service told us that they enjoyed living at Lansdowne Road and specified that the staff would always respect their decisions as to how they spent their days. One person who uses the service stated, 'I can do what I want really, I like helping with the cleaning and helping with meals.' We asked the person if he ever felt that his decisions were not valued by the staff, his response was, 'no, never.'

We observed that the interactions between the staff and people who use the service were positive. People who use the service did not express any feelings of insecurity and said they felt safe and well looked after. We also asked a visitor to the home if she was confident that people who use the service were protected from abuse. Her response was, 'yes, I have never seen anything that gives be cause for concern.'

People who use the service told use that they were satisfied with the standard of cleanliness at the home and a visitor to the home also expressed satisfaction with the standard of cleanliness in the home.

People who use the service told use that they were satisfied that complaints were managed effectively. A visitor to the home also felt confident that complaints would be addressed in a professional and confidential manner.