Lakenheath

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.

The homes environment was safe, the administration of people's medication was safe, and people were safeguarded from the risk of abuse. People were provided with information and support to help keep themselves as safe as possible. When needed staff effectively used the systems in place to help them identify and reduce risks in people's lives. Staff enabled people to take positive risks and have new experiences as safely as possible.

The service took action to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. People's family members told us that they were happy with the support provided during this time. One person's family member told us, "They have worked so hard during COVID." Another person's relative told us, "They really care about them. We have all been well supported through this."

We have made a recommendation about testing for COVID-19.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

The service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture.

Right support: • The model of care and the accommodation maximised people's choice and control, independence and promoted opportunities for inclusion. Lakenheath care home was set out across two semidetached houses that operated as two separate households. Each person's accommodation was thoughtfully designed and adapted in partnership with them and their family to ensure it met their needs and preferences.

The model and style of accommodation promoted people having an ordinary lifestyle within their community and having control over their environment. The home provided support and accommodation close to people's families who lived in the local area.

Right care: • Care is person-centred and promotes people's dignity, privacy and human Rights. People were supported to make their own decisions and take the lead in their lives, staff respected people's decisions and promoted people making as many choices as possible. Each person had a detailed personalised care plan that focused on their needs, preferences and what was important to them. Care plans were written in partnership with people and those that are important to them, such as their family members.

Right culture: • There was a positive, person centred culture amongst the staff team. It was clear that this approach had helped people to have positive outcomes even during difficult times. The provider worked collaboratively and in partnership with people using the service and a range of stakeholders. Amongst staff there was a culture of trying new things and trailing new ways of working based upon their learning about people, along with their communication and feedback.