Oak View

Oak View provides services for adults with a learning disability and autism; it is registered to provide support for five adults and at the time of the inspection three people lived in the home. The home is a semi-detached house and in keeping with the surroundings. Staff were discouraged from wearing uniforms that would identify it as a care while they supported people.

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.

Thorough recruitment and staff induction was in place to ensure staff were suitable to work and provide support within the home. Staff worked across all U&I Care Ltd services so that they get to know everyone receiving support.

Care and support was delivered on an individual basis and the people decided their daily routines. Care, support and activities were planned around individual likes and dislikes. People were encouraged to participate in activities which were meaningful to them. People were given opportunities to experience new activities with varying degrees of success.

We found people were supported to connect with other people using the U&I Care Limited services to avoid social isolation. People also attended events at community activities, social clubs and discos. One person living in the home was part of a local sports team and attending training. The time spent engaging with these activities was dependent on people's preferences and well-being at the time.

People told us they felt safe. People's responses and interactions showed us that they felt comfortable with the staff members supporting them. The service worked hard to promote inclusivity and people's diversity was embraced, staff demonstrated this with their knowledge of how people communicated. Staff were aware of verbal triggers and responses that would demonstrate if people were feeling anxious. Staff supported people to make their needs and wishes known, and what worked best to ensure they had a good day.

Recent changes to the management structure were seen as a positive move and supported clear lines of accountability. We considered that this would help with issues we had identified at the last inspection regarding robust planning and review, overview, record-keeping and governance to support consistent safety and quality of care.

Staff told us they were proud to work for U&I Care Limited. There were processes in place for staff to access support at any time and we were told by staff they felt supported by the management team. Records clearly showed that staff received formal supervision, appraisal and regular training.