Hill View

People received support from staff who knew them very well as individuals. People's care and support needs were assessed and reviewed regularly. This enabled them to receive care that was person-centred and reflected their needs and choices.

Staff supported people to take part in choosing activities to meet their individual needs and wishes. Some people loved train and bus rides. Others liked swimming, bowling and cinema trips. Staff ensured people had regular opportunities to use cafes and restaurants and to visit the bandstand at Eastbourne. Annual holidays were organised.

People were protected from the risks of harm, abuse or discrimination. Staff knew what actions to take if they identified concerns. The home was clean and tidy throughout. Enhanced cleaning had been instigated as a result of coronavirus and staff were thorough in relation to ensuring their own and people's hands were kept clean. There were enough staff working to provide the support people needed, at times of their choice. Recruitment procedures ensured only suitable staff worked at the service.

In the absence of the registered manager who was on special leave at the time of inspection, there were good systems to ensure oversight of the service. Two registered managers from other services took it turn to provide cover and to share the role. Quality assurance systems were comprehensive and ensured all aspects of the running of the home were examined regularly, records were kept up to date and any actions resulting from audits were addressed swiftly.

Staff understood the risks associated with the people they supported. Risk assessments provided further guidance for staff about individual and environmental risks. People were supported to receive their medicines safely.

Staff received training that helped them to deliver the care and support people needed. This included specialist training in autism, epilepsy and person-centred active support. Staff attended regular supervision meetings and told us they were very well supported by the registered managers.

People's health and well-being needs were met. Where appropriate, staff supported people to attend health appointments, such as the GP or dentist, and appointments for specialist advice and support. People's nutritional needs were assessed, and specialist diets were catered for. Menus were varied and well balanced.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. There was a detailed complaint procedure, and this was displayed so anyone wanting to raise a concern could do so.