Quality Reliable Care Limited

“People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment with appropriate legal authority. In care homes, this can be done through a procedure called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which is part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA and how they managed DoLS within the service. We found that staff and management worked within the MCA. DoLS authorisations were appropriately applied for and overseen. People were not subject to unlawful or excessive restrictions they had choice, control and freedom over their lives.”

“We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.”

“Staff followed the correct procedures when reporting and recording accidents and incidents. They knew the importance of prioritising people’s safety and comfort and letting the registered manager know what had happened. If themes and trends were identifiable then this was shared with all staff and processes put in place to minimise the chance or recurrence. Staff were able to tell us what incidents would amount to a safeguarding and the steps they would take to protect people. A whistleblowing policy was in place and staff were similarly confident to use this process if needed. Known risks to people were recorded with clear instructions to staff about prevention and managing any escalation of risk. Positive behaviour support plans were in place for people which described clearly how people may present when calm or during periods of heightened anxiety and the steps staff needed to take to support people. The environment was safe, free from trip or any other obvious hazards. Fire risk assessments had been completed and everyone had a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEPs) in place, describing the support needed during an emergency. Staff had been recruited safely, went through an extensive induction and were further supported with ongoing supervision and team meetings. Staff training was up to date with regular refresher training scheduled in all key areas. Medicines were stored, administered and recorded safely with separate protocols in place for as and when required (PRN) medicines.”

“The registered manager carried out a pre-assessment process for people referred to or those wanting to move to the service. Meetings were held with people, their loved ones and input was sought from other professionals where relevant. Care was taken to ensure people’s care and support needs could be met and that they would fit into the service and get along with other people living there. Recognised tools for measuring people’s ongoing health were used for example, the malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST), to monitor…”