24 November 2016
During a routine inspection
BDC Northern House provides accommodation and personal support for up to eight people with learning disabilities. Accommodation is provided over two floors and there is wheelchair access on the ground floor. There were seven women using the service at the time of our inspection.
When we inspected, a new manager had been appointed. They were in process of applying to register and were already registered for a second care home owned by the registered provider. The second care home was next door to BDC Northern House. 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.
People and their relatives told us they felt safe at BDC Northern House. Care records reflected people’s identified needs and the associated risks to their health and welfare. Staff knew how to manage these risks and the correct procedures to follow if they considered someone was at risk of harm or abuse. The provider was open and honest when safeguarding concerns had been raised and worked with professionals to improve.
People were supported by adequate numbers of staff who had been safely recruited. Staff were provided with relevant training to meet people’s individual needs. They were supported to maintain and develop their knowledge and skills through regular supervision.
The home was well maintained and equipped with appropriate aids and adaptations to meet people’s individual needs. Health and safety checks were carried out to make sure the premises and equipment was safe for people to use.
People were supported to keep healthy and received the assistance they needed to eat and drink well. Any changes to their health or wellbeing were responded to quickly. Staff worked effectively with other professionals to ensure people received the care and support they needed. Medicines were managed, stored and disposed of appropriately. There were systems for checking that people received their medicines correctly and that staff administered medicines safely.
Staff treated people with dignity, respect and kindness. They knew people well and were aware of their needs, likes and dislikes and preferred methods of communication. Care records were up to date and gave staff information about how to support people in the right way.
People’s care records recognised their rights and were person centred. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People took part in activities that interested them and were supported to maintain relationships with those close to them. Relatives and friends were welcome to visit when they wished and invited to participate in social events at the home.
There was an open and inclusive atmosphere in the service and the manager showed effective leadership. The manager knew what was working well and what needed improving in the home. Audits and checks were used to monitor the quality of care people received. People and their relatives were encouraged to share their views and experiences and were involved in developing the service.