Nelson's Croft

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. It was registered for the support of up to eight people. Three people were using the service at the time of the 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 the other large domestic homes of a similar size. There were 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 supporting people in the community and in the home.

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.

During the inspection we observed warm and comfortable relationships between staff and people living in the home. Feedback from the relatives we spoke with was all positive. People were encouraged and supported to maintain and improve their independence.

Medication needs were assessed and medication was only given by staff who were trained to do so. Staff were recruited safely, and incident and accidents were analysed for patterns and trends. Risks to people were assessed safely, care plans were person centred and regularly updated. Care records contained important information regarding people's histories, families, likes and dislikes. This information was used to personalise support to meet each person's needs.

The home was clean, however we identified that a shower room was in need of refurbishment. This was organised and the registered manager informed us of the expected date following the inspection.

The registered manager and provider made effective use of audits and other sources of information to review and improve practice. People were able to give their opinions on their care service and a range of communication methods were in place to ensure people continued to have this opportunity.

Staff received supervisions and attended regular meetings. Feedback from staff we spoke with was all positive and we were told how supportive the register manager was.