The Bungalow

The assessment was prompted due to the home not having been assessed for more than 5 years. We carried out a comprehensive assessment and assessed a total of 34 quality statements from all the key questions we ask, is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

We observed the environment and spoke with people living in the home and staff. We contacted people’s relatives and health and social care professionals who visited the home.

Although the home sat on a site with other Autism Together care homes in what could be described as a campus style setting, The Bungalow was independent, with its own staff team and people were supported as individuals.

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

At our last assessment, the rating was requires improvement, however, at this assessment, we found improvements and the overall rating has changed to good.

Care plans we reviewed were detailed and thorough and matched with the support we saw being provided to people. People had a team of support staff who knew them well and respected their choices. Staff understood people’s needs and were experienced in supporting people with a learning disability. People were involved in developing their care plans and in planning their daily activities, as well as holidays and visits to see family.

Medicines were administered safely and risks to people were managed effectively while giving people choice and control.

Staff felt well supported and the management team promoted an open and honest culture. The registered manager knew what was needed and was confident in making sure the home worked well for the people living there.