Linwood House

The service worked 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 received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them

The service was registered for the support of up to 13 people and 13 people were using the service. This is larger than current best practice guidance. However, the size of the service having a negative impact on people was mitigated by the building design fitting into the residential area and the other large domestic homes of a similar size. There were deliberately no identifying signs to indicate it was a care home. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were care staff when supporting people outside the home.

People's experience of using the service and what we found People told us they were happy living at Linwood House and they felt safe. Staff were aware of their responsibilities to keep people safe from abuse and discrimination. People were protected from risks associated with the environment, and risks related to their health and welfare had been assessed, planned for and were regularly monitored. The service was clean and tidy.

People told us there were enough staff to support them and they regularly accessed the community, with staff or independently. People led active and fulfilling lives, one person worked, another did volunteer work. People were supported to pursue hobbies and interests.

Safe recruitment procedures were followed to ensure suitable staff were employed. Staff were well trained with the skills to provide care for people's needs.

People were supported to take their medicines in a safe and timely way, medicines were stored and managed safely.

People were supported by staff who were kind and caring and who knew them well. The care delivered was around people's individual needs. Technology was used to improve the service for people. People's healthcare needs were well-managed, and staff sought support from health care professionals as required to support people effectively. People had a choice about what they ate and participated in planning and

preparing meals.

People's care plans were person-centred, and staff had the information required to provide care in an individualised way. People had the opportunity to give feedback and make suggestions to improve the service.

The service was well-led. Staff felt well supported by the registered manager. Quality systems were in place to monitor accidents, incidents and complaints, to learn lessons and make improvements.

The service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. 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.