Avenues South East - 492 Maidstone Road

Avenues South East - 492 Maidstone Road is a residential home providing support for four adults with complex learning disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, and communication challenges. This inspection report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) details findings from February 2020, offering insights into the home's performance across key areas of care. The report aims to provide families with a clear understanding of the service's strengths and areas identified for development, helping them make informed decisions about residential care.

Regarding safety, while relatives felt their loved ones were safe and risks were identified with management plans in place, there were concerns about inconsistent staffing levels. This sometimes meant people couldn't attend planned activities. Additionally, while the home was clean, hygiene levels needed improvement to prevent infection, and some areas required refurbishment.

In terms of how effective the care is, the report highlights that staff did not always receive timely refresher training or regular one-to-one supervision as per the provider's policy. This impacted staff support and their ability to consistently deliver optimal outcomes. However, people's needs were assessed, and care plans were developed in consultation with healthcare professionals.

The caring aspect of the service was positively noted. Staff were found to treat residents with kindness, compassion, and respect, ensuring their privacy and dignity were upheld. Communication needs were well-met, and residents were supported to engage in meaningful activities and maintain important relationships, thereby preventing social isolation.

Regarding how responsive the service is, residents were supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives, with staff employing the least restrictive methods possible. Care and support plans were tailored to individual needs, and the service effectively collaborated with health and social care professionals. The overall outcomes for residents reflected principles of choice, independence, and inclusion.

Finally, looking at how well-led the service is, systems for assessing and monitoring quality were not always effective in driving improvement. Record-keeping inconsistencies were noted, and while safeguarding and medicine administration were robust, the lack of consistent staffing and staff support requires attention. The provider is taking steps to address these areas, including recruitment and referrals to specialist services.