Archived: 69 Hoarestone Avenue

The service is a care home and provides personal care and accommodation for up to two people living with a learning disability. The home has two floors, with a communal lounge, dining area and conservatory. At the time of our inspection there were two people living at 69 Hoarestone Avenue.

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

The two people cared for called the registered provider ‘mum’ because they had both been fostered by her since they were very young children and prior to the registration of the care home. Both people were very relaxed and happy living at the family home with their ‘mum’, who continued to support them to live their lives in a way they wanted.

Both people’s needs were assessed, and each had individual plans of care. People could look at their care plan if they wished to. Both people had enough activities to do both within the home and local community.

The provider and staff member demonstrated a kind, caring and personalised approach toward people and gave support when needed.

Risks had been identified and were well managed by the provider and staff member who knew people very well. Risk management plans provided information to staff to reduce risks of harm or injury to people.

The provider and staff member were trained and updated their skills and knowledge when needed.

People had their prescribed medicines available to them and were supported with these by trained staff. People received their medicines as prescribed.

People had choices about drinks and what they ate for their meals and their nutritional needs were met. The provider understood the importance of promoting healthy eating and of promoting people’s independence whenever possible.

The home was well-maintained and a good level of cleanliness reduced the risk of cross infection.

The provider was taking into consideration the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance for the accommodation of people with learning disabilities. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.

Staff understood the importance of giving people choices. 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 supported this practice.

The provider lived at the home and was always available to meet people’s needs. One additional staff member was employed and had been recruited in a safe way.

Both people were very happy with the care and support they received. They felt they could tell their ‘mum’ if anything was worrying them. The provider had a complaints policy and information about advocacy services if needed.

There were processes to audit the quality of the service to ensure a safe service was provided.

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

Rating at the last inspection

The last rating for this service was Good (published 19 July 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the rating of the last inspection.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information 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.

Sixty-nine Hoarestone Avenue is a residential care home, providing accommodation and personal care for up to two people with a learning disability / physical disability. On the day of our inspection there were two people living there.

At the last inspection in October 2015, the service was rated good. At this inspection we found the service remained good.

The provider is registered with us and manages the home on a day to day basis. The provider does not employ care staff, but provides all the care and support to the two people living there. The two people cared for call the provider ‘mum’ because they have lived with her since they were young children.

Both people were happy with the quality of the care and support they received. They described the provider to us, as their ‘mum,’ who supported them to live their lives in a way they wanted. Care was given in a way they preferred and they were supported to be as independent as possible.

Care plans contained accurate and detailed information. This was important so in the event the provider was unable to provide people’s care and support, information was readily available to others who did not know people so well. Care plans included information so that risks to people’s health and welfare were minimised. Both people felt safe living at the home and knew how to report any concerns to us about abuse. The provider knew how to keep people safe from the risk of abuse.

The provider had a good knowledge of people’s needs and had previously undertaken training. Some of this had been completed several years ago and the provider planned to refresh and update their training. People were supported to access healthcare professionals when needed.

Both people said the provider had a caring approach toward them. People decided what they wanted to eat and drink on a daily basis which met their individual nutritional requirements.

People’s feedback was sought by completing feedback surveys. The provider lived at the home and was always available to people they provided care and support to. People knew how to voice their complaints if needed.

People said they did not want access to an independent advocate, but felt they could ask the provider for this in the future if they changed their mind.

The provider ensured a good service was given to people through regular checks. Checks were made on the cleanliness of the home and on people’s medicines.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The home is a family home for the two men. They were fostered by the registered person and her husband, who they call 'mum and dad', from an early age and have grown up as part of the family.

We observed that both men had positive relationships with the registered person, her husband and each other. We noted that both men were watching television together in one of their bedrooms when we arrived. We saw that if they wanted or needed anything they called to the registered person or her husband for help or assistance.

Both men had care plans in place which were up to date and provided accurate information.

Both men told us that the food provided by the registered person was nice commenting, "Mum's a good cook" and "We get pizza, chinese and fish and chips, Mum helps us to eat a healthy diet as well though."

The home was a domestic family home. It was was suitably designed and well maintained. The two men had personalised their individual space to reflect their tastes and personalities.

Appropriate equipment was in place to meet the needs of people as necessary. Measures were in place to maintain the equipment as required to ensure that it was safe to use.

The home is a family home for the two men. They were fostered by the registered person and her husband, who they call 'mum and dad', from an early age and have grown up as part of the family.

We observed that both men appeared comfortable and relaxed with the providers, and engaged in jovial family banter throughout our visit.

Both men had care plans in place. These provided information that would enable people other than the provider to maintain the care and support needed in the event of an emergency.

Medication was managed safely on behalf of both men.

Confidential records belonging to both men were maintained in good order, were fit for purpose and were stored appropriately for the type of service being provided.