SeeAbility - Fir Tree Lodge Residential Home

The service has been developed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

The service was a large home, bigger than most domestic style properties. It was registered for the support of up to 10 people. This is larger than current best practice guidance. However, the size of the service potentially having a negative impact on people was mitigated by the building design fitting into the residential area. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were support workers when coming and going with people. Staff ensured people were able to access and be part of their local community.

The provider had robust processes in place which ensured people received their medicines safely. Staff assessed potential risks to people and measures were in place to manage them safely. There were sufficient numbers of competent staff rostered to keep people safe and to meet their needs. The provider had appropriate processes, polices and staff training in place to keep people safe. People were protected from the risk of acquiring an infection.

People's needs were assessed and the delivery of their care reflected good practice guidance and legal requirements. People were supported by well trained and competent staff, who had the required skills and knowledge to deliver people's care effectively. Staff offered people a choice of nutritious food and drinks. People were supported to access a range of internal and external health services as required. People's needs were met by the design and decoration of the premises.

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.

Staff treated people kindly and compassionately. They cared about people and were concerned for their welfare. Staff respected people's human rights and endeavoured to involve them in as many decisions as possible. Staff promoted people's privacy, dignity and independence.

People's care was planned to ensure it was personalised and reflected their preferences. People participated in a range of activities both inside the service and in their local community. They were supported to maintain relationships which were important to them. Staff used technology to promote people's independence.

Processes were in place to monitor the quality of the service provided and to continuously drive improvements. The provider investigated and acted upon any complaints received from relatives on people's behalf. The registered manager sought the views of people's families and staff on the service and promoted engagement with the local community.

The registered manager created a positive and person-centred culture focused on providing people with person centred care. Staff understood their role and responsibilities. The provider worked with local statutory and non-statutory services to improve people's care.