Duncan House

Duncan House is a is a care home (without nursing) which is registered to provide a service for up to eight people with learning disabilities. At the time of inspection Duncan House was providing support to 8 people. People had associated difficulties such as being on the autistic spectrum.

Duncan House accommodates people in a purpose built domestic sized building. The service was easily accessible to local amenities and with links to public transport. Each person using the service had their own bedrooms and access to communal areas. The service was run 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 can lead as ordinary a life as any citizen.

People's experience of using this service:

The registered manager conducted quality assurance audits to monitor the running of the service. However, we found that these were not always effective as they didn't always identify gaps in medication records. People's medication records were not always accurate and had conflicting medicine information. People did not always have 'as required' medicine guidance in place. We recommend that the provider seeks guidance around the proper and safe management of medicines.

The registered person did not always inform of authorisations under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards as required in the Care Quality Commission Regulations. We recommended the provider ensures they understand their regulatory responsibilities to ensure they are complying with the regulations.

People remained safe at the service and risks around their well-being were assessed, recorded and regularly reviewed. People were supported by sufficient staff that knew them well. Recruitment procedures to appoint new staff were thorough. People were supported to take their medicines safely.

People received their care and support from a staff team, that had a full understanding of people's care needs and the skills and knowledge to meet them. Staff were given an induction when they started and had access to a range of training to provide them with the level of skills and knowledge to deliver care efficiently.

Staff treated people with respect and kindness at all times and were passionate about providing a quality service that was person centred. People were encouraged to live a fulfilled life with activities of their choosing and were supported to keep in contact with their families.

People's dignity and privacy was respected. People told us staff were reliable, friendly, and caring. Staff developed positive and caring relationships with the people they supported and used creative ways to

enable people to remain independent.

The registered manager and the management team strived at creating an inclusive environment to strongly encourage staff, people and their relatives to be involved in the service.