Rafael Home

We undertook this comprehensive assessment, looking at all the quality statements under the five key questions, due to the time passed since our last assessment. In-between our two assessments the provider had changed from an individual to a limited company. The previous individual provider was the director of the limited company. 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.

The service was calm, welcoming and felt like a family home. People had lived there for many years and were supported by a stable staff team who knew them well and understood what mattered to them.There was a community approach to the home, where everyone’s voice was heard and respected.People continued to receive consistent person-centred care.

People received the right support to live safe,meaningful and fulfilling lives. Staff understood people’s individual needs, risks and communication styles and supported them to make everyday choices about their lives,routines and activities. People were supported to access healthcare, live healthier lives and take part in employment, holidays and community activities. Staff ensured people’s disabilities were not a barrier to new experiences. Risks were managed positively and proportionately.Staff ensured people’s freedom was not unduly restricted and had worked with people to achieve positive outcomes and reduce one to one staffing support.

Care was delivered in line with the right support, right care, right culture principles. People were actively involved in decisions about their care and were supported at their own pace using verbal, written and pictorial information. Interactions were kind, respectful and empowering. People were relaxed,well-presented and confident, and their achievements were recognised and celebrated. Staff took time to teach and empower people to develop their skills and independence. Staff used a consistent and coordinated approach to work with people and other health professionals to enable people to feel comfortable accessing health services. Staff helped people to become more confident which enabled them to have greater social interactions.

The service demonstrated the right culture, with strong, values-led leadership and an open, inclusive approach. Leaders prioritised people’s wellbeing and supported staff development and retention. Governance systems provided effective oversight, and work was underway to further improve care documentation and learning disability training. The management team encouraged their team to develop their knowledge and skills. Everyone was welcome to suggest ideas about service development and the registered manager incorporated these ideas into service delivery. The registered manager held herself to the same standards and undertook the same training and competency assessments as the rest of the staff team.