60 Cobham Road

60 Cobham Road is a residential care home that provides support for up to six individuals with learning disabilities, sensory impairments, or autism. This report summarizes the findings from a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which assessed the service across five key areas to determine its overall quality and effectiveness. The inspection gathered feedback from residents, relatives, staff, and healthcare professionals, alongside a review of care records and operational procedures. The aim is to provide a clear overview of the home's strengths and areas where improvements are being made to ensure the best possible care for its residents.

On safety, the home is performing well, with residents feeling secure and protected from harm. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures and understand how to report concerns. Risk assessments are in place and followed, and emergency plans are robust. Infection control measures are also strong, ensuring a hygienic environment for both residents and visitors. While the home has learned from past incidents, ensuring lessons are applied effectively, there were some inconsistencies noted in medicine documentation, including missing allergy information and unclear instructions for topical medications, although these were being addressed.

In terms of how effective the care is, the service has seen some inconsistency. While staff are trained and generally support residents to live healthier lives, there have been past delays in seeking healthcare advice. Improvements are being made in this area, with better communication between staff, relatives, and healthcare professionals now in place, although further time is needed to fully embed these changes. Residents are supported to prepare their own meals and maintain a balanced diet, with staff having relevant training. The service itself is adapting well to meet residents' needs, with personalised living spaces and ongoing improvements to the premises.

Regarding caring practices, residents feel supported in a kind and dignified manner, with their individual differences respected. Staff have received relevant training, including for learning disabilities and autism awareness. Care plans are personalised and include essential information on healthcare needs and preferences, although consistent adherence to oral care guidelines had not always been achieved. Residents' privacy is respected, and feedback is actively encouraged.

The service is responsive to residents' needs. Staff support residents to live as independently as possible and are involved in their day-to-day decision-making, with families also actively included in care. There are sufficient staff to meet residents' needs, and efforts are being made to ensure timely access to community activities. While past delays in accessing healthcare professionals have occurred, staff are now working effectively with them to achieve positive outcomes for residents.

In the area of being well-led, there are areas for development. The provider's monitoring systems have not always been effective in identifying and addressing shortfalls, particularly concerning medicine documentation. However, where improvements were identified, action plans were put in place, and the registered manager has taken immediate steps to address issues. Residents and their relatives feel they can raise concerns, and these are addressed by the operations manager. Staff also feel able to raise concerns with the registered manager.