Chepstow House

People felt safe living in the service. Staff had received training in relevant topics to keep people safe. Complaints procedures and whistleblowing policies were available to staff to safeguard people if needed.

We observed some positive and negative interactions between staff and people. Risks to the health and safety of people using the service were assessed. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities in protecting people from abuse and the risk of harm. Staff had received training in how to safeguard people. Safeguarding concerns had been raised with the relevant authority where required. Staff completed moving and handling following best practice guidance. Staffing numbers kept people safe but were not always in place to allow people to go into the community frequently. The home was generally clean apart from 1 fridge, which staff swiftly cleaned.

We assessed 6 quality statements in the effective key question and found areas of good practice. People’s needs and rights were supported. Care and support for people was effective. People had their health, care, well-being, and communication needs assessed. Care plans were reflective of people’s support needs and reviewed in a timely manner. Staff were aware of people’s preferences and respected these. Peoples’ capacity to make decisions was assessed and the information was part of their care plans. Staff had good knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, including capacity and consent. Relatives had not always been involved in planning for peoples’ care needs.

We assessed a total of 8 quality statements from this key question. During our assessment of this key question, we found staff promoted independence and treated people as individuals. We observed staff treating people with dignity and respect though this was not always the case.

People were supported with choices such as doing their own laundry and were able to move around the service independently where able. Improvements were needed to ensure people had access to activities to maintain their wellbeing.

We assessed 3 quality statements from this key question. During our assessment of this key question, we found people were supported to have choice and control of their lives and staff understand their roles and responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The provider had systems and processes in place to help ensure people were supported to understand their rights.

We assessed 9 quality statements in the well-led key question and found areas of good practice. A new manager had been recruited since our last visit. Improvements had been made and other improvements were being planned. Management and staff understood their role and responsibilities. There were clear governance, management, and accountability arrangements. The regional manager had clear oversight of the service and was able to identify areas of concern or improvement. Notifications were submitted to external organisations as required. Information was used to monitor and improve the quality of care.