Garland House

We undertook this assessment due to the age of the previous rating. At the last inspection in 2020, the service was rated overall as Requires Improvement. The provider had focused on improving the service in all areas which had resulted in some areas of outstanding practice.

An assessment has been undertaken of a service that is used by autistic people or people with a learning disability but is not registered as a specialist service. We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

The providers, one of whom was also the registered manager, had developed a strong, person-centred culture at the service. Staff well-being was central to the running of the service. People and staff were equally valued and praised. This was achieved by acknowledging staff and people’s strengths, achievements and the little things that made a difference in their lives. As a result, there was a stable staff team and people received a good quality of life. Staff were motivated to develop their skills and knowledge. Staff had been supported to develop their skills and acted as champions in specific areas in relation to people’s assessed needs and shared their learning with the staff team.

Health professionals said the service was particularly skilled in identifying changes in people’s health and wellbeing. Comments from health care professionals included, “Even though they are not a nursing home, they seem to escalate at the right time”; “They have a good understanding of what their residents' medical issues are, and their mood.”

The provider understood the importance of gaining feedback from a variety of sources about the service and using them to improve the service. There were clear plans about how the provider was going to further develop the service.