Hillcrest

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. 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 receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

The service was one of three domestic style properties owned by the provider and operating as care homes. It was registered for the support of up to nine people. Nine people were using the service on the day of this inspection. This is larger than current best practice guidance. However, the size of the service having a negative impact on people was mitigated by the building design fitting into the residential area and other domestic homes of a similar size. There were deliberately no identifying signs, intercom, cameras, industrial bins or anything else outside to indicate it was a care home. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were care staff when coming and going with people.

Staff received training and refresher updates in basic core areas as well as training specific to meet the needs of the people they supported. Relatives said staff were skilled and competent. Staff felt listened to and supported by the management team. Staff supported people to eat a healthy, balanced diet. People had access to health and social care professionals relevant to their needs. Health professionals told us people received appropriate support from the service. Staff sought people's consent to the care and support they received, together with that of their relatives or external advocates where appropriate.

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.

Whilst the registered manager was not familiar with the published guidance the service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

People's relatives complimented the staff team for the care and support provided. Staff had developed positive and caring relationships with people and were knowledgeable about their individual needs and personal circumstances. Relatives, where appropriate, were fully involved in the planning and reviews of people's care and support.

People received personalised care and support that took account of their preferences and personal circumstances. Staff helped and supported people to develop the skills and confidence necessary for them to live as independently as they could. People enjoyed a varied social life according to their personal preferences with the encouragement and support of staff.

The provider had a robust quality assurance process which meant that shortfalls in performance were swiftly identified and addressed in a timely manner. The staff and management team were clear about the provider's values and the purpose of the services provided. People's relatives were positive about how the service was managed and the management team.

The provider routinely distributed quality survey forms to people's relatives, the staff team and health professionals. Health and social care professionals told us that the staff and management team were responsive to any comments and suggestions and were committed to working collaboratively with people, their families, specialists and professionals.