Mencap in Kirklees - 1 Victoria Road

People's experience of using this service: People felt safe while being supported by the staff team. Risk assessment's provided guidance to staff and gave opportunity for people to remain as independent as possible. Staff could accurately describe risks people presented and how to reduce the risks.

Staff knew how to safeguard vulnerable people from abuse. They were able to describe signs of abuse and knew what action they would take to report such concerns. Staff told us they were fully confident the registered manager would act on any concerns they had.

People were safely supported to receive their medicines as prescribed. Staff received regular training and competency checks to ensure they were competent to administer medicines. Staff felt competent to administer medicines.

Staff were recruited safely and had the appropriate pre-employment checks were in place.

Staff were given an induction and training suitable to their job role. Staff told us, and we saw they were given time to get to know people as part of their induction. Staff got to know the people they were supporting on a personal level.

People were supported to have choice around their meals and food and drink preferences. The information was clearly captured in their care plan and staff could describe people's favourite food and drinks. Any concerns with people's nutritional intake were reported to appropriate health professionals.

The service worked in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and staff had a clear understanding of how to support people with fluctuating capacity and giving support with decision making.

People told us the staff were caring and we observed staff treating people with dignity and respect.

Staff genuinely cared for people and knew people well.

The service promoted communication for people and explored how communication could be more effective.

Staff had an approach of encouragement to promote independence.

People and relatives were involved in care planning and personal preference and choice was captured throughout the care plans. Care plans were very person-centred and regularly reviewed to ensure they

remained reflective of people's current needs. Staff could accurately describe the content of people's care plans and were able to read them and digest the information prior to supporting the person.

People could easily raise any concerns. Staff felt the registered manager was approachable and hands on in their role so would not hesitate to contact them if required.