Bradwell House

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an assessment of Bradwell House, a care home providing personal care and accommodation for up to 10 people. The inspection focused on evaluating the service against the CQC's core principles of 'Right support, right care, right culture,' aiming to ensure that individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people receive respectful, dignified, and independent care. The report details the findings across five key areas, offering families an insight into the quality of care provided.

Regarding safety, Bradwell House has systems in place to protect residents from harm. Staff have a good understanding of how to identify and report abuse, working with external agencies when necessary. Risk assessments are conducted and managed effectively, ensuring residents have as much freedom and choice as possible while remaining safe. The home maintains a clean and well-equipped environment, and robust infection control measures are in place, including adherence to COVID-19 vaccination requirements for staff and visitors. Safe medication management processes are followed, and staffing levels are sufficient to meet residents' needs. There are also clear procedures for learning from incidents and near misses to prevent recurrence.

In terms of how effective the care is, Bradwell House ensures that residents' care plans are personalised and strengths-based, reflecting their needs and aspirations. Staff receive regular training and support, including induction and ongoing professional development, to ensure they are equipped to provide the best possible care. Residents are supported to maintain a balanced diet and are involved in food choices and meal preparation. The service works effectively with external healthcare professionals to promote residents' wellbeing and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, with staff often accompanying residents during hospital stays. The environment is well-maintained and adapted to meet residents' sensory and physical needs, with personalised bedrooms and accessible outdoor spaces. Staff also understand and apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, empowering residents to make their own decisions.

When considering caring practices, the staff at Bradwell House provide kind and compassionate care, treating residents with dignity and respect. They use positive and clear communication, speaking with residents at their level and offering emotional support when needed. Staff know the residents well, understanding their individual preferences and how they like to spend their time, and residents appear happy and relaxed. Residents are actively supported to express their views and are involved in making decisions about their care, with staff offering choices throughout the day.

In the area of responsiveness, Bradwell House ensures that residents' care plans are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in their needs. The service works collaboratively with other agencies to ensure coordinated and effective care, and staff are responsive to any medical issues, keeping relatives informed. The adapted environment and accessible facilities ensure that residents can comfortably participate in activities and access different areas of the home and its gardens.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, Bradwell House demonstrates a positive culture where residents' wishes, needs, and rights are central. Management and staff behaviour reflects values that promote inclusive and empowered lives for residents. Staff are knowledgeable about best practices for supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people, leading to tailored and empowering care. The quality of support is regularly evaluated, involving residents, families, and professionals where appropriate.