Rusthall Respite

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: People enjoyed their short breaks at Rusthall Respite because they were encouraged to learn new skills and do things that were meaningful and excited them. There were always enough staff on duty. Staff worked flexibly to ensure people were supported by suitable staff. People experienced choice and control over their lives and their individual communication methods were understood. People were supported to maintain good physical and mental health during their stays at the service.

Right care: People were supported by a team of committed, kind and caring staff. Staff skillfully supported people; upholding privacy and dignity as a matter of routine. Staff had a good understanding about how to safeguard people. Risks to the health, safety and well-being were identified and mitigated.

Right culture: The atmosphere in the service was relaxed and friendly with lots of fun and laughter being shared. Positive relationships between people and staff had been developed that were based on trust and respect. People and relatives were confident to raise concerns or suggest changes for the service as well as to the way they received support. Quality assurance processes enabled ongoing improvement. Learning was shared from within and outside the organisation and community contacts were well established.