Sunset Cottage

Sunset Cottage is registered under the provider name of Dalskats Limited and operates under a brand name of "Home Orchard", along with three other local services. The four services share administrative facilities, records and management systems based at Palace Farm. The four services are all located within approximately 400 yards of each other. The services work closely together; staff work between the services by agreement and people living in each service mix socially and share some day activities.

The service has been developed and designed 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.

There was a stable, happy and well-trained staff group. People told us they liked all the staff and comments included, "I like the staff". People said staff were always kind. There were enough staff to support each person in their daily activities. Care was taken when recruiting staff to ensure new staff were entirely suitable for the job. People living in the home were involved in choosing new staff. Staff praised the providers and management team for the support they received. Comments included, "It's a lovely place to work".

The home was comfortable, clean, well maintained and safe. People were involved and consulted in the decoration and furnishings. Risk assessments had been carried out on the environment, equipment, and on people's health, wellbeing and daily activities. Staff knew how to support people to stay as safe and healthy as possible.

People were supported to eat a healthy diet. They grew many plants and vegetables in the gardens which were used in their meals. They also used eggs from their own chickens and honey from their own bees. People were supported to plan and prepare their own meals as far as they were able.

Each person had their own support plan setting out clearly how they wanted to be supported in all areas of their daily lives. Support plans were regularly reviewed and updated. Relatives were involved and consulted. The service was well-led. There were good systems in place to monitor and improve the service. People, staff and relatives praised the providers and management team for their caring ethos. Comments from relatives included, "I am very happy with my son's placement at Sunset Cottage, Palace Farm. He considers it his home after being there for many years and knows the staff and other residents well", "We believe this is a very well-run service" and "Sunset is well run and communication between staff and myself frequent". People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported support them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported/ did not support this practice.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.