Right at Home Eastbourne

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence, and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. We found autistic people and people with a learning disability received support from a small staff team who knew them well and had received extra training to provide the appropriate support.

The service was last inspected in 2018 and rated Good. This inspection was planned and undertaken due to the age of the rating. At this inspection, the rating of the service has remained Good.

People were supported by a staff team trained in all key areas who had the skills to provide the care needed to people safely and effectively. People were safe and protected from risks and harm that could be avoided. Staff had been trained in infection prevention and control and in the administration of medicines. The service managed care visit times and continuity of carers attending the same people however, some feedback from people re consistency of carers was shared with the provider.

A pre-assessment process was undertaken before anyone new started being supported by the service. People were supported by the service and liaison with other professionals was positive, resulting in a good standard of care for people. Staff had been trained in mental capacity awareness and knew the importance of gaining consent from people.

We were told staff were kind and treated people in a dignified way, respecting their privacy and treating them as individuals according to their support needs. Independence with tasks and activities was encouraged and supported. The registered manager and wider management team had a strong ethos of supporting staff being mindful of their welfare and any caring or other needs they may have.

Care was person centred in terms of delivery from staff. People and their loved ones were able to raise concerns, issues or complaints and told us they were confident that the service would respond in a timely way. People were supported with communication, and staff knew people well and were aware of people’s preferences, likes, dislikes and preferred routines. People were treated fairly and all of their needs were met regardless of their background, culture or religious beliefs.

The registered manager was approachable and available to people, and the wider management team supported with receiving calls from families and arranging care visit times. The registered manager maintained oversight of the service through an efficient auditing process. There was a culture of continuous improvement and learning at the service. The service supported a diverse staffing team where people from different cultures and backgrounds and beliefs were supported and respected.

The provider prioritised staff wellbeing and worked in partnership with external agencies to support people to receive coordinated and holistic care.