The Bungalow

People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment with appropriate legal authority. In care homes, this can be done through a procedure called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which is part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).

We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA and how they managed DoLS within the service. We found that staff and management worked within the MCA. DoLS authorisations were appropriately applied for and overseen. People were not subject to unlawful or excessive restrictions they had choice, control and freedom over their lives.

Leaders and staff advocated for people’s rights and ensured they had equitable access to healthcare. When a healthcare professional completed a ReSPECT form that would have limited a person’s access to further healthcare treatment, the service identified that the person lacked capacity to participate in the decision and that those who knew them well had not been consulted. The registered manager challenged the decision, promoting the person’s right to appropriate healthcare and ensuring the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were upheld. This helped safeguard the person’s best interests and support equal access to the healthcare services they may require.

There were always enough staff available to meet people’s needs. Staff were recruited safely and had access to the induction, training and support they needed to carry out their roles. Staff received safeguarding training and knew how to report any concerns they had about abuse or poor practice.

Staff kept people safe while enabling positive risk-taking, supporting them to achieve meaningful outcomes and maximise their independence. People lived in a safe, clean environment. Staff carried out regular health and safety checks to ensure the home and equipment were safe and appropriately maintained. People’s medicines were managed safely.

Staff kept people’s needs under review, including their health, emotional, and communication needs. We heard examples of staff advocating on behalf of people where necessary to ensure their legal rights were upheld.

The service was led by an experienced registered manager and deputy manager who provided good leadership and direction. Relatives told us the registered manager and deputy manager were approachable and responsive to feedback. A relative said, “They are professional and they listen.”