Astor Hall

The home is registered to provide support to people living with a learning disability, however, people's primary need for admission was their physical disability. We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. 'Right support, right care, right culture' is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it. This service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture.

Right support: The model of care and setting maximised people's choice, control and independence. Staff supported people to make choices about their daily lives and engage in activities, that were tailored to their individual needs and promoted their independence. People were supported to maintain and develop relationships. People were supported by enough staff on duty who had been trained to do their jobs properly. People received their medicines in a safe way. People were protected from abuse and neglect. People's care plans and risk assessments were clear and up to date.

Right care: People received good quality person-centred care that promoted their dignity, privacy and human rights. Staff knew people well and demonstrated an understanding of people's individual care and communication needs. This helped ensure people's views were heard and their diverse needs met.

People were treated in a dignified manner and staff were aware of people's support needs. Staff were observed talking to people in dignified and respectful way. Staff delivered personal care needed and gained consent prior to providing any support. Care plans informed staff of any specific ways to best communicate with the person.

Right culture: People lived in a service where the ethos, values, and attitudes of management and care staff ensured people led confident, inclusive and empowered lives. Staff created an environment that inspired people to understand and achieve their goals and ambitions.

People led their life that reflected their personalities and preferences because of the ethos, values, attitudes

and behaviours of the management and staff.

The environment was safe and there was equipment available to support staff in providing safe care and support. Health and safety checks of the environment and equipment were in place.

People were supported to access healthcare services, staff recognised changes in people's health, and sought professional advice appropriately.

People were involved in menu planning and staff encouraged them to eat a well-balanced diet and make healthy eating choices. Special diets were catered for. One person said; "I enjoy my food and it's made soft for me to eat."

Staff told us the registered manager was available, assisted them daily and helped cover shifts when some staff had been off with COVID-19. They went onto say how they were approachable and listened when any concerns or ideas were raised. One staff member said; "Amazing management- approachable, very hands on and will work or come in if short of staff."

People and their families were provided with information about how to make a complaint and details of the complaint's procedure were displayed at the service.

Cleaning and infection control procedures had been updated in line with COVID-19 guidance to help protect people, visitors and staff from the risk of infection. Government guidance about COVID-19 testing for people, staff and visitors was being followed.