Chestnut House

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 ensured people who lived at the home 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 living at the home received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them. 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's experience of using this service and what we found. People, their relative and professionals told us people were very safe living at the home. One relative told us their relative received safe care and this was down to the level of detail and attention staff paid to their loved one. Detailed risk assessments were in place to help staff keep people safe, whilst encouraging people to be as independent as they could. Regular safety checks of the building were completed. Only suitable staff were employed. The registered manager used all incidents as a learning opportunity to improve various aspects of the service and care provided.

People's needs were fully assessed before they came to live at the home. People were also encouraged to visit prior to coming to live at the home, to ensure they and other people living there, were happy with arrangements. Staff had appropriate skills to care for people. Staff received regular refresher training. People enjoyed a healthy, fresh and varied diet. People attended regular healthcare appointments. People's bedrooms were unique to each person and had been decorated to reflect each person's individual tastes.

People received care from staff who were caring and committed in their role. Staff were very aware of the importance of maintaining people's dignity and were very keen to support and promote people's independence.

Regular reviews of people's care was completed with emphasis placed upon people achieving their individually set goals. A complaints policy was in place, but no complaints had been received. People had access to documents in a variety of formats to support their understanding and communication. End of life wishes were included in people's care plans.

The service had a registered manager. They managed the service very well and promoted an atmosphere and culture in the home which was both inclusive and empowering for people and staff. The registered manager ensured information was shared with the appropriate authorities. When things had happened, immediate action was taken to address any issues. A service improvement plan was in place which was

reviewed regularly at both local and regional level, and this was used to drive further improvements and outcomes for people and the home. The registered manager and staff worked very closely with various healthcare professionals. People, their relative, staff and visiting professionals were very complimentary about the registered manager.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. 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.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk