Glen Pat Homes

This assessment was undertaken due to the length of time since the previous rating. Following this assessment, the rating is now good and the provider is no longer in breach of Regulation 18 (staffing).

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. People received personalised care which promoted independence, inclusion, choice and control. Staff knew people well and understood their individual communication needs. Most people were deaf and staff were able to use basic sign language, visual information and other communication methods to support people to express their choices and preferences. The provider had recruited a deaf member of staff and supported the wider staff team, including the registered manager, to develop their sign language skills.

Relatives spoke positively about the care people received and described staff as kind, respectful and responsive. People were supported to maintain their independence, take part in meaningful activities and access healthcare and community services. Staff worked with relatives and external professionals to coordinate people’s care. There were systems for staff training, learning and development, and relatives felt able to raise concerns and provide feedback.

We identified some areas requiring improvement during our assessment. These included environmental hazards, a missed dose of prescribed medicines and gaps within some staff recruitment records. Following our visit, the registered manager provided additional evidence and assurances. Records demonstrated that a number of environmental issues, including the garden fence, handrail and fire extinguisher servicing. Recruitment records were reviewed by the registered manager following our visit to ensure gaps in employment histories had been addressed.

Concerns relating to the layout of one bathroom remained. A washing machine was positioned close to the shower and sink, with electrical sockets nearby, and an area containing a tumble dryer, boiler and other electrical equipment was not secured. There was no risk assessment in place demonstrating these risks had been considered and mitigated. The registered manager told us they would complete an assessment and explore relocating the appliances.

Overall, people received safe, caring and person-centred support from staff who knew them well and understood their individual needs. People were supported to make choices, maintain their independence and take part in activities that were meaningful to them. Staff worked well with relatives and external professionals, and the service was generally well-led, with systems in place to support staff development, monitor quality and respond to feedback.