Weatherstones Court

People were safely supported. People did not directly comment on whether they felt safe, yet it was clear through observation that people were comfortable and relaxed. They looked at staff as a trusted resource they could refer to, using their preferred communication methods to refer to staff about how they wished to be supported. All relatives told us that they felt their loved ones were safe using the service and had no concerns. Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff were knowledgeable about this. The service reported any concerns they had transparently to the local authority as required. Staff were safely recruited and staffing levels enabled peoples’ needs to be met with an emphasis on ensuring continuity in support for people. Medication management was safe. While the service did not provide accommodation to people, they acted as advocates, upholding and promoting peoples’ right to safe and well-maintained accommodation. People were supported by staff who knew their needs and preferences well. Systems were in place to record and report events which occurred with evidence of reflective practice by the staff and management team. Hazards faced by people in their everyday lives were identified and reviewed in consultation with people and their relations.

All people had received support from the service for some time. Assessments were translated into support plans which were devised and reviewed with the full involvement of people and their families. People were involved in all aspects of their nutrition, such as meal planning and shopping although some support was required in preparing meals. People were encouraged to pursue healthy diets. The nutritional and hydration needs of people were closely monitored to ensure positive health. People and their families were involved in their care. Staff teams worked well together and demonstrated knowledge and a commitment to providing support to adults living with autism/learning disabilities. People were actively consulted in all aspects of their support with consent gained at all times.

Care practice was exclusively person centred. The independence of people was also at the centre of care practice. We saw many examples of staff supporting people and acting as advocates to assist them with their daily routines. All interactions between people and support staff were positive. People were always responded to in a timely manner. Relatives told us that they believed that their relations received good support in line with their individual choice and preferences.

The preferred methods of communication of people were assessed and actively used to ensure peoples’ preferences were recognised. Support plans were devised in conjunction with people and their families. Relatives told us they knew how to make a complaint. Any complaints had been recorded and investigated appropriately. The service worked in partnership with other agencies to promote the interests of people. People and families were always informed of issues relating to their care and clear explanations given. Care practice meant that people experienced equity in access to all services and opportunities.

The governance and management of the service was effective. This was the view of relatives exclusively who stated that the main aims of the service were to meet their loved one’s needs. Quality audits were effective in driving improvement. The service had a shared value to promote the independence of people living with autism/ learning disabilities and to ensure that they had a positive quality of life. Leaders were capable, experienced and fully committed to the shared values of the organisation. The service worked in partnership effectively with other agencies and stakeholders