1 & 2 Hedgerows

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of the inspection of 1 & 2 Hedgerows, a care home offering short stays and personal care for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. The inspection assessed the service against five key questions: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led. The findings highlight a service deeply committed to person-centred care, with staff demonstrating exceptional dedication and a profound understanding of the individuals they support. Overall, the report indicates a consistently good standard of care with notable strengths in specific areas.

On safety, the home effectively safeguards residents from harm and abuse, with relatives feeling assured of their loved ones' well-being. Robust safeguarding policies are in place, and staff are knowledgeable in identifying and acting on concerns. Risk assessments are thorough, balancing safety with the promotion of independence and supporting positive risk-taking to encourage skill development and community engagement. Medication management and infection control practices are well-handled, and the recruitment process ensures safe staffing.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs are thoroughly assessed and care plans are personalised, ensuring support aligns with best practice and individual preferences. The service operates in line with the Mental Capacity Act, with staff well-trained to support residents in making their own decisions. Staff are highly skilled and supported through comprehensive induction and ongoing training, with a focus on continuous professional development. Residents receive appropriate nutritional support, and the service maintains strong links with health professionals to ensure holistic care. The environment is well-adapted to meet residents' needs, with access to community services and activities.

The service is outstandingly caring, with staff demonstrating an exceptional commitment to treating residents with dignity and respect. There's a strong person-centred culture where staff go above and beyond to ensure fairness and empower residents to advocate for themselves. Relationships between staff, residents, and relatives are exceptionally positive and built on effective communication, including the use of Makaton and understanding non-verbal cues. The service actively works to understand and meet individual needs and preferences, even accommodating specific interests like tidying and cleaning within practical activities during stays.

Regarding responsiveness, the service effectively manages complaints and has systems in place for continuous quality improvement. The registered manager and staff show a strong commitment to high-quality, person-centred care, fostering collaboration with relatives and health and social care professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for residents. They actively seek feedback and work cohesively to address any concerns.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, the registered manager and staff demonstrate a clear dedication to providing high-quality, person-centred care. There are effective systems for assessing, monitoring, and improving the service's quality, driven by good engagement with relatives and strong partnerships with external professionals to ensure residents' best outcomes. The team works cohesively, demonstrating a shared commitment to the service's values and mission.