Helping Hands

Helping Hands provides domiciliary support to up to 13 people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities and mental health needs. The service is provided in three units called; Bath house, Milton and New Build. The service is provided over 24 hours. Staff are present in the units at all times. This model of care is known as 'supported living'.

At our last inspection of Helping Hands in February 2017 the home was rated as 'Requires improvement' overall due to not meeting the regulations in relation to record keeping and staff training. At this inspection we found the service had responded effectively and there had been significant improvement in both these areas.

People had been protected from the risk of harm and abuse. Staff understood what might be a safeguarding concern and how to respond to this.

The building and utilities had been maintained to a good standard with all necessary checks and certificates in place, including; gas, electrical, legionella and fire safety equipment.

Medication was safely managed, records were up to date and provided the necessary details in relation to all prescribed medicines including topical creams and dietary supplements and thickeners.

People's needs had been assessed and care plans developed to ensure their needs were met as they preferred. Risk assessments provided guidance on how to support people to manage the risks in their daily lives.

Staff had received an increased level of training which had provided them with the necessary knowledge and skill to meet people's needs. Staff reported feeling they had benefited from the training available.

The service was aware of its responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associate Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards including in domestic settings, known as (DIDs).

Staff were seen to be caring and supported people, kindly and respectfully. People living in the service said they thought the staff were kind and caring.

People received person centred care that was responsive to their needs. Care plans were reviewed and updated regularly.

The management structure was clear and staff reported being happy with the way the service was managed,

they felt the manager could be relied on to take appropriate action and was supportive and fair.

Auditing and governance systems had been improved and ensured people received care and support consistently.

Relatives reported feeling able to approach the manager at any time and felt confident they would act on any concerns they raised.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found