Avalon Clarence Gardens

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 that most people take for granted. We found the service was meeting the principles of Right support, right care, right culture.

People received safe, kind and person-centred care at Avalon Clarence Gardens. A structured admission pathway, including pre-admission contact with families, helped ensure staff had up-to-date information about people’s needs, medicines and wellbeing. People and relatives told us they felt safe and were positive about the care provided.

Staff knew people extremely well and understood their individual needs, communication methods, preferences and routines. We observed warm and respectful interactions, with staff promoting choice, dignity and independence. Care plans and risk assessments were detailed and regularly reviewed. Staff understood safeguarding, consent and the Mental Capacity Act, and systems were in place to oversee Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

There were enough staff to meet people’s needs, although vacancies were being covered by agency staff while the service was being retendered. People were supported to pursue activities and interests, but relatives and staff gave mixed feedback about whether staffing always enabled planned outings.

Medicines were generally managed safely. The provider took prompt action when issues were identified.

The service was clean and well maintained, although some areas required redecoration, which was planned. Leaders were visible, approachable and responsive. Staff felt supported and able to speak up. Effective quality assurance systems supported learning and improvement, and the service worked closely with families, commissioners and health professionals.