The Gables

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 a large home, bigger than most domestic style properties. 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 the other large 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.

People were empowered to be in control of their daily living. Support workers made opportunities accessible to people to fulfil their daily living as well as aspirational needs.

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.

There were sufficient numbers of staff who had been safely recruited. They received a regular programme of support through training, supervision and appraisal.

People's health needs were met through a range of healthcare professionals who were involved in their care. Extremely positive outcomes were seen for people.

People were supported to maintain relationships with family, friends and other loved ones. Staff provided training and guidance for people on sexual relationships.

People were able to purchase and prepare food in their own flats, although they could access meals prepared by support workers.

Medicines were received, stored, administered and disposed of safely. Staff involved in handling medicines had received recent training around medicines and had their competency checked.

Care plans were sufficiently detailed and staff demonstrated their knowledge of people's care needs and how risks to people were to be mitigated.

The service was well-led by a registered manager who was noted as an effective communicator who genuinely cared for the staff team. Relevant audits and other systems of governance were effective. Complaints were found to be suitably managed.

We have made a recommendation about the registered provider's guidance relating to handling allegations of abuse.