Real Life Options - 90 Capel Gardens

The last rating for this service was good (published 11 January 2019). This assessment was planned due to the length of time since our last rating. Following this assessment, the service remains good.

Some people using the service had a learning disability. We 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 most people take for granted.

Systems and processes were in place to review and monitor the safety and quality of care. People were safeguarded from avoidable harm. Staff were trained in how to identify and address safeguarding concerns. Staff understood people’s needs and the risks associated with any health conditions. There were processes in place for people to speak up if they had any concerns.

Risk assessments were in place, and they identified current risks to the person as well as ways for staff to minimise or appropriately manage those risks, including for positive risk taking.

There were enough staff deployed to meet people’s needs. Systems and procedures for recruiting new staff were robust. Staff received training and this was monitored to ensure it was up to date. There were effective processes to prevent and control infection. People’s medicines were managed safely.

People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected people’s privacy and dignity. They treated people as individuals and supported their preferences. People had choice in their care and were encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends. Staff responded to people’s needs in a timely way. The service provided people with information they could easily understand and access.

Care plans reflected current best practice in how to support people with a learning disability and autistic people safely and effectively. Staff gained people's consent prior to providing care and support. Care plans provided staff with guidance about how to involve people as fully as possible in making decisions.

Systems and processes to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service were in place. Improvements were required to the effectiveness of these. The manager and senior management demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement and was responsive to any feedback we gave during the assessment.