Royalcare Ashford

People said they were supported by regular staff who arrived on time and stayed the time they needed to. People were happy with the support they received and told us staff were kind, patient and caring.

People were supported by staff who had been recruited safely. Staff completed regular training to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. Staff competencies were checked to make sure they were working in line with best practice.

People were protected from the risks of abuse, discrimination and harm. Their health, safety and welfare were assessed, and measures were in place to reduce any risks. When people were supported with their medicines, this was managed safely. Staff wore face masks and aprons when required and were able to access stock as they needed to.

People's care needs were assessed and their protected characteristics, under the Equality Act, were considered. Care plans were developed with people, and when required, with input from their relatives. People's life history and important people and things in their life were recorded. This helped staff get to know people. People's privacy and dignity were respected, and their independence encouraged and promoted.

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.

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. The service was not supporting anyone living with a learning disability at the time of the inspection.

Right support: Model of care and setting maximises people's choice, control and Independence People were encouraged to remain as independent as possible. People were supported to make choices and to discuss their goals. Staff spoke with empathy and compassion about the people they supported.

Right care: Care is person-centred and promotes people's dignity, privacy and human rights People received care which centred on their individual needs and preferences. A holistic approach, considering people's physical, emotional, psychological and social care needs were assessed. People's privacy and dignity were respected, and their human rights protected.

Right culture: Ethos, values, attitudes and behaviours of leaders and care staff ensure people using services lead confident, inclusive and empowered lives The management team and staff worked as a cohesive team and followed the provider's values of 'Care, Attentiveness, Respect and dignity and Empowerment' were shared by the staff team. People, their relatives and staff spoke positively about the management team.